In the 1970s, the silos of a cement factory in Barcelona were repurposed to house the Taller de Arquitectura. They are now being reinterpreted in an entirely new context, rising 190 metres above the Albanian capital to accommodate a mixed-use programme of office, commercial, and residential spaces.
Papuli Tower is composed of four cylindrical volumes positioned around and interconnected by a central core, forming a clover-like configuration. These volumes are conceived as direct extrusions of the silos at La Fábrica, and closely simulate their internal arrangement. It is a strategy with various spatial and functional advantages: by eliminating conventional corners, it enables more adaptable and, in some cases, uninterrupted interior layouts. The central core efficiently consolidates vertical circulation and services, freeing the facades and allowing for expansive, unobstructed views in all directions.
What distinguishes the tower from its architectural precedent is its detailed design, particularly in the treatment of the facade and the fenestration. Inside the building, the use of dramatic proportions along with materials like terracotta flooring gives it a contemporary character while still referencing the industrial past of its surroundings.
Tirana, once the heart of Albania’s most industrialised region, has a long history of craftsmanship and trade, dating back to the early 16th century when a bazaar supported the production of a wide range of goods – from silk and leather to ceramics and precious items. As the city continues to develop, Papuli Tower may be seen as a contemporary expression of Albanian industry, borrowing from a proven model and speaking to the city's new urban ambition.
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DIORAMA
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DIORAMA