INTERNATIONAL CULTURE CENTER
NEW FUNCTIONS FOR THE PYRAMID MONUMENT IN TIRANA Student: Supervisor:
Andi Kohila Endri Marku
The debates between different social categories including politicians, youth, and Tirana’s citizens about the demolition of “The Pyramid” are well known to every one of us. The idea of transforming the area around “The Pyramid” into a Multifunctional Centre is the topic of this thesis proposal. The project is located in this area because there is a considerable amount of virgin green area, which perfectly allows the movement of masses of people and offers many opportunities for other daily activi| 264
ties. The new functions chosen in the thesis intend to return this iconic building to Tirana’s citizens, with daily activities where they can easily find themselves. These functions are exactly what will return the vitality of this area and give the opportunity, especially to young people, to interact and socialize with each other. This project is about the creation of a new opportunity, a new perspective, which will be accessible to anyone who is willing to spend some spare time in
an effective manner, further developing their talents and, why not, profit some new knowledge. Special attention is paid to the creation of new sports areas, as an important element of functioning and supporting the youth, by providing modern services. The pyramid has to be preserved as it is but will be stripped of its real functions at the ground level. All the new functions will be activated below the ground level. This way, people’s experiences will serve the dual role of freedom and contribution in awakening collective
memory. Several openings will follow the Pyramid’s silhouette in such a way as to distribute natural light underground. By positioning all functions underground, the openings should be very exposed to the public. The main entrance was proposed to be located inside the pyramid, serving as a grand hall which will invite people to the underground level. This project is about revitalizing this monument and giving it a new identity while preserving it at the same time.