Ndarja, an opportunity for a break

Located in the heart of Tirana, Albania, on Myslym Street, "Ndarja" is a multi-purpose building combining residential, hospitality, office, and commercial facilities. Designed by OODA, the building seamlessly integrates into the city’s evolving urban fabric, where old meets new. Surrounded by lush greenery and reflective water features, "Ndarja" softens its structural rigidity, creating a breathing architecture that enhances the city’s landscape.

Render Square View
Photo credit: Plomp

A Break from Urban Chaos

The design features two fragmented volumes aligned at their narrowest sides, forming a central void. This void serves as a sanctuary—a gathering square offering an escape from the city’s relentless pace. The structural “break,” achieved through a rotational design, redefines the interaction between the building and its surroundings. At the core, a transparent water mirror acts as a portal, drawing natural light underground and connecting the interior with the exterior. This integration extends to surrounding greenery, balcony gardens, and a microclimate that enriches the neighborhood. By transforming the square from a mere passageway to an urban oasis, "Ndarja" establishes itself as a cornerstone of urban revitalization.

Render Street View
Photo credit: Plomp

Render ArialView Photo credit: Plomp

Blending Urban Functionality with Sustainability

The ground and first floors house commercial spaces that leverage the visibility and accessibility of Myslym Street. The upper levels are dedicated to residential apartments, a premium hotel, and offices. Each function is clearly separated with distinct lobbies to enhance usability. The earthy-toned façade aligns with Tirana’s architectural aesthetic, while brises-soleil and perforated metal sheets ensure privacy and light regulation. These elements also reflect activity on the balconies, creating a dialogue between the building and the city. Thoughtfully selected vegetation enhances the building’s integration into its environment, using resilient species that withstand urban conditions while fostering green spaces.

A Testament to OODA’s Design Philosophy

OODA’s approach emphasizes fluidity and community engagement. By breaking architectural norms, "Ndarja" connects people, nature, and urban life, offering a new vision for multifunctional spaces in modern cities.

About OODA

OODA is an international team of over 50 architects specializing in a wide array of projects, from residential and commercial buildings to institutional landmarks and masterplans. With over 600,000 square meters of projects under development, OODA thrives on collaboration, fostering creativity through its horizontal organizational structure.