Tirana’s rapid, unaffordable skyscraper boom masks empty housing and deep social issues, raising questions about development’s true beneficiaries.
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Tirana’s center is characterized by imposing, unaffordable skyscrapers designed by renowned international architects, which are being promoted by the government to legitimize development. Despite this architectural boom, the city faces a significant housing crisis, with a high number of unoccupied apartments and a declining population. While construction permits have increased dramatically, house prices continue to rise, and wages have not kept pace. Critics argue that the development, guided by plans like “Tirana 2030,” prioritizes vertical growth and foreign architectural influence over historical preservation and community needs, leading to a sense of cultural erasure. The article suggests that the current development model is driven by an “ego problem” and potentially facilitates corruption in the real estate sector. While joining the European Union is seen by some as the only path forward, experts caution that Albania is not ready, citing unresolved issues of transitional justice and massive corruption.
