TIRANA, June 4 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama stated today that Albania is increasingly attracting world-renowned architects, emerging as a reference space for urban development and contemporary architecture.
In his speech at the “Bread & Heart” festival, which is taking place for the second consecutive year in Tirana, Rama praised the participation of architects from Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America, who are contributing to the country’s transformational projects.
“The most incredible thing about this year’s festival isn’t just that more architects are attending. It is where they are coming from. We haven’t just gathered a few big names; we have built a truly global community with architects arriving from Europe, China, the US, and Latin America”, Rama said.
The prime minister appreciated the presence of the world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava at the festival a special honor, emphasizing that he once considered his presence in Albania impossible.
“It is a great honor for me to have someone here today who even in my wildest dreams I never thought I would see coming to Albania,” Rama said.
He also praised the role of developers and investors in bringing the most important names in international architecture to the country, underlining the importance of harmonizing urban development with nature and public spaces.
Rama also shared a personal episode, indicating that he had received a message of appreciation from a leader of a wealthy country beyond Europe, after he had sent him images of the festival and architectural projects in Albania.
“Wow, Albania! Let’s connect soon—I want to learn how you deliver such great projects without major funding,’” Rama said.
The “Bread & Heart” festival gathers architects, urban planners and developers from different countries of the world in Tirana to discuss the challenges of urban development, modern architecture and the transformation of cities. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./
