Presenting the winning design, BIG representatives said the concept was inspired by a cloud, with a three-dimensional structure designed to free up and expand public space rather than occupy or reduce it.

The building would rise about 20 metres above ground, creating more than 1,000 square metres of sheltered public space offering shade and room for various activities, the architects said.

The project also aims to enhance Rinia Park by expanding green areas, supporting biodiversity and introducing systems for water management and conservation.

“It is a liveable infrastructure for the city, not simply a building that nobody enters,” the architects said. They said the aim was to maximise green space and create an integrated ecological and hydrological system.

A key element of the design is the preservation of the existing fountain, with water raised into the surrounding space to create the effect of summer rain. The architects said this would also help improve the park’s microclimate.

The tower would include residential units, hotel facilities, offices and a cultural component accounting for about 10% of the total floor area, creating additional spaces for young people.

BIG said the three-dimensional facade, featuring external balconies, was designed to provide shade, filter sunlight and protect the building from high summer temperatures.

The architects said the aim was for the project to function not simply as a building but as “liveable infrastructure” for the city, combining residential and work spaces with a greener, more open park for the public.

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The National Construction Inspectorate (IKMT) demolished an unauthorized three-story structure with reinforced concrete and brick walls.

Rama stressed that all those continuing this “low-level game” of illegal building in public spaces -whether in cities, coastal areas, or mountains- must stop immediately.

“It’s pointless; you will only waste money and time. Following the government’s latest decisions, you will face severe consequences,” the Prime Minister warned.

Clearing public spaces of illegal constructions precedes the implementation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, which aims to restore legality on the ground and foster community development.

Designed as a systematic, long-term intervention rather than a temporary campaign, this initiative began in July and continues to be a priority nationwide.

The new Criminal Code also includes harsher penalties for illegal construction offenses.

Additionally, a new National Regulation will define by law the public spaces available for business use, providing clearer guidelines for private entities.

Citizens can report abusive cases through the dedicated portal “HapesiraImePublike.gov.al”, which so far has received 12,611 reports; 9,201 cases have been resolved, while 3,410 remain under review.

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Alongside Kurbin Mayor Majlinda Cara, State Police Director Ilir Proda, and AAPSK Chief Inspector Risena Xhaja, Interior Minister inspected the operation, part of a nationwide effort to free public spaces.

The impound lot in Laç, covering 2.6 hectares and holding 1,664 vehicles – of which 1,100 are destined for scrap – will soon be subject to auction procedures, officials said.

Koçiu stressed that dozens of similar sites across Albania will be cleared in cooperation with local governments, police, and state agencies.

“We are committed to restoring public spaces to citizens, creating cleaner, safer, and more attractive communities,” she said.

Albanian State Police chief Ilir Proda underlined that beyond eliminating environmental blight, the move reduces the burden on police services.

Mayor Cara welcomed the initiative, noting the cleared area’s potential for community projects near one of Kurbin’s key tourist villages.

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In a social media post sharing footage of metal structures being dismantled from sidewalks and roads, Rama pledged there would be “no pause, on every street and neighborhood, until the end” of the campaign launched in July under the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” initiative.

Authorities said 8,224 reported cases have already been resolved, while 3,269 remain under review. A National Regulation is being drafted to define which public spaces businesses may legally use.

Rama added that businesses placing chairs or structures in restricted areas will be required to contribute a tree to a new government-run Green Fund, part of the administration’s push to expand urban greenery.

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Authorities said citizens had flagged 10,395 suspected violations nationwide, of which 7,153 have been addressed, while 3,242 cases remain under review.

The crackdown on unlawful structures occupying public areas began in early July as part of the government’s “Urban Renaissance 2.0” plan.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has vowed the campaign will continue until such practices are eliminated. He said a national regulation is being drafted to define which public areas businesses may use.

Under the proposal, “for every chair placed on restricted space, the business must contribute a tree to the Green Fund,” Rama said.

PM Rama has also warned that penalties for violations of public space rules will be toughened. The portal hapesiraimepublike.gov.al aims to boost civic engagement and speed up institutional responses to encroachment complaints.

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Speaking during the visit, Rama emphasized that addressing sidewalk and street encroachment must be a priority, with pedestrian access taking precedence over private interests.

“The issue of public space is a serious one in Vlora. It must now be handled rigorously on the ground,” Rama said. “This is not about restricting businesses but about harmonizing interests – giving priority to pedestrians.”

Rama also referred to the Lungomare promenade, calling for an upgrade in service quality and appearance. He announced that all service units along the waterfront promenade in Vlora will receive a new design concept, expected to be finalized by September or October.

“The cornering-off of sidewalks is unacceptable,” he said. “Every road must function in service of pedestrians.”

He added that MPs should be active in supporting local communities and that the government will act across all city streets, not just Lungomare, to ensure better pedestrian access and urban aesthetics.

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