The winning studio was selected for its unique architectural approach to creating not just a building, but a gateway to the Butrint estate, with a magnificent view and creating a public meeting space for the local community and tourists.

The international jury convened on Wednesday reviewed the four finalist projects for the Visitor Center in Butrint Park, the gateway to this UNESCO property.

The four finalist studios were:
• Kengo Kuma & Associates (Japan)
• Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects (Finland)
• Philippe PROST / AAPP (France)
• William Matthews Associates (United Kingdom)

The two-phase selection process was organized by Malcolm Reading Consultants in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Albania and the Butrint Management Foundation. The competition

The jury consisted of: Elva Margariti, Minister of Culture, Albania; Martin Mata, co-CEO, The_AADF Albanian-American Development Foundation; Aleksandër Sarapuli, co-CEO, Albanian-American Foundation for Development; Róisín Heneghan, co-founder and Director of Heneghan Peng Architects; Mónica Luengo Añón, founder, “Architecture, Territory and Landscape, ATP”; Suzanne Ogge, Head of International Projects and Heritage, Studio Milou, and UNESCO consultant; Thomas Vonier, former president of the International Union of Architects, partner of Chesapeake Strategies and Matilda Pando, president of the Association of Architects of Albania and founder of MATT Architects.

Announced by the Butrint Management Foundation, the international visitor center competition was financially supported by the Albanian-American Development Fund and organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture by the British company Malcolm Reading Consultants.

This center, worthy of welcoming visitors, with all the necessary infrastructure at their service, will first respect the exceptional universal values not only of the archaeological heart, but of the entire National Park.
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