Albanian Architects: Vera Bushati

A brief description of you, where you work, how many years of experience you have and your area of expertise:

I graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at UT (today UPT), in the profile of architecture and construction in 1969 with an excellent degree. At the beginning of my career, I worked at the construction company Lushnje as an engineer and chief engineer until 1974. Then, I worked at the University of Tirana from 1974 to 1992 as a lecturer of subjects: Construction Technology, History of Architecture and the City. In addition to teaching, I have also lectured on the History of Albanian Architecture at the University of Prishtina, Stockholm University, the University of Marburg and the Technical University of Vienna. I have also practiced my profession outside Albania, where I have worked as an architect and engineer in Lebanon and Congo. I received the scientific degree of Doctor and the title of Assistant Professor and today, I work at POLIS University, for about 15 years since its establishment.

For more than 50 years, I have been involved in various architectural projects and have devised innovative concepts as an expert, on architecture education for anyone. In addition to numerous projects, I have published monographs and university texts. Some of which are: "Designing to live" - designers 1945-1990, "Learn the History of Architecture and the City by Playing", "ArchiGames - Learn Architecture by Playing". During my professional experience I have participated in congresses, conferences, international and national symposia.

Why did you choose architecture? What was the spark that led you to this profession?

While studying in high school, looking at the beautiful coast of Vlora, the idea came to me how can this be turned into a well-organized tourist city. I developed this idea by observing, reading literature on architecture, as well as novels, art books that made descriptions in this regard, such as the Cathedral of Paris.

What do you think of architecture and which is your project that best represents you?

I think of architecture as a sphere of social activity that requires people with versatile skills. With passion to study and design. Suffice it to recall the words of the Renaissance Leon Batista Alberti who said that "The architect must know well the humanities and the curious sciences" (here the author has in mind the exact sciences). In terms of my work, I have numerous projects especially in the organization of interiors, residential houses, sports and recreational complexes like "Blur", today the offices of Euronews.

What advice would you give yourself at the beginning of your career, valid even for young architects or those girls/women who want to become architects?

"To have results in a certain field you have to love it."

Some of the published books: