Oppenheim Architecture Reveals New College of Europe Campus in Albania Inspired by Greco-Roman Design

The College of Europe is taking inspiration from ancient architectural designs with its third campus in Albania, Tirana.

The new campus will be opening this fall and is the first purpose-built complex for the college itself. Designed by Oppenheim Architecture, it will include four buildings other than classrooms, such as a museum, library, and even an administrative space for EU diplomats.

At the center is the agora, which according to Arch Paper, is inspired by Greco-Roman theaters. Meaning, it will don the iconic domed structure and panoramic seating. Together with classical influences, Tirana's local culture will also be reflected since the interior will be decorated with a folk mural.

Three more midrise buildings will be coated with a design choice meant to reflect traditional Albanian architecture design. The exterior will also be painted with student protests done in 1991 to protest communism in the country.

Oppenheim Architecture's Goal for the College of Europe

As reported by ArchDaily, Oppenheim Architecture stated that the design for this campus is meant to emphasize its needs, rather than be purely historical. With Tirana's history and culture being taken into account, the campus layout will revolve around the city's social life and community.

Since the College of Europe has been built to educate future leaders for European diplomatic institutions, the Tirana campus will be showing support to Albania's progress toward democracy. In fact, OA's choices in materials follow a democratic spatial logic too.

Now, the College of Europe is only part of construction projects in Tirana. As Albania's capital, a new expo center in the city is also on the way. Other architectural developments include the controversial plan to replace the Albanian National Theater and transform a city's monument into a cultural hub called The Pyramid of Tirana.