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The National Theatre of Albania has recently received a BIG facelift. More specifically, Bjarke Ingels’ high-profile architecture firm (BIG) has created a 9,300-square-meter replacement for the original venue in downtown Tirana, Albania?s capital. The new structure resembles an oversized bow tie and will stand next to public landmarks like Skanderbeg Square, the National Art Gallery, and the National Opera.
The venue hopes to create new urban gathering places, as it contains three indoor performances spaces, a rooftop amphitheater and café, and a public plaza.
Raised up off of the ground, the structure consists of a central auditorium and a building on either side of it, one for the audience and one for the performers. The gap underneath the venue creates even more room for events and street performances, staying true to the design’s pedestrian focus.

Ingels himself explains: ?Our design for the National Theatre of Albania will continue the city?s efforts at making Ti...