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ALBANIAN ARCHITECTS: ARIELA KUSHI
A brief description of you, where you work, how many years of experience you have and your area of expertise.
Ariela has 20 years of professional experience in urban planning and architectural design. Working in the public administration, along with a very good knowledge of administrative and legal aspects, made possible her participation in the main processes of development for theAlbanian capital, among others, in the drafting of the Regulatory Plan of Tirana in the period of the free market economy. Since 2012, she has worked as an freelance architect and urban planner. She has participated in several planning processes throughout Albania, as well as in architectural projects. In October 2015, she founded the studio AK-UA focused on urban planning, urban and architectural design. Ms. Kushi has led the drafting of more than 20 Local General Plans, Municipal Policies and National Sectoral Plans deployed throughout Albania covering expanded municipalities as well as territories with shrinking populations. Ms. Kushi has offered her expertise in several international architectural auditoriums as a guest lecturer and in publications in international professional magazines. Her experience includes cooperation with international companies in projects financed by the World Bank, USAID, JICA, EBRD, GIZ, etc.
Why did you choose architecture? What was the spark that led you to this profession?
I grew up with architecture, when I was a child I used to visit the construction sites, I had a lot of copy papers and many, many pencils. During teenage years as coincided with the beginning of democracy pushed me even more to choose architecture to do something different. My orientation towards urban planning brought me closer to the main drive to bring a modest change in the urban chaos of our reality.
What has been the most challenging project for you? Why?
Regulatory Plan of Tirana -2008
It was the biggest project where I was involved in a coordinating and planning role. It has been the main challenge as for the first time a plan was being drafted during the period of the free market economy, the previous plan belonged to 1989. It was a plan drafted, step by step, with meetings of groups of interest, with citizens and simultaneously the legal base was being articulated which defined new planning instruments in Albania. Although the plan remained at the draft level many of its elements have been reused in later and current plans.
What do you think of architecture and which is the project that best represents you?
Architecture for me is not a profession but a passion. I live with it 24 hours a day, I wander around the city and see inspiring fragments or "if it was done like this, it would be better" moments.
The project that represents me best - the project I am currently working on, and the next project I dream about.
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?
For anyone who wants to choose architecture, I have two advices:
Architecture and urban planning are related to people and for people, so you need passion, love for work, patience and calmness.
Architecture and urban planning are a part of life and every project has room to improve , but one must know how to set a limit. A good job on time is better than a perfect job undelivered.
What inspires you in your work? (Artist/architect)?
Every project is dictated by the location of the site and its dynamics. GENIUS LOCI - the guardian spirit of a place - is the first source of inspiration: history, nature, people, surroundings, dynamics and flows also dictate the new form that will be created.
In my work I try to be inspired by contemporary architecture and international urban developments. They often return to the great masters: Kahn, Scarpa, Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, etc. The next travel itinerary, whether in nature or in urban areas, is also an inspiration for me; or the last book I red and the last movie I saw.
Three projects that you want us to feature on pikark.com
Urban studies are dreams and visions put together on paper. The urban planner structures the dynamics and desires of a territory and a population at a given moment, leaving their realization in the hands of the community. My goal in the work is not to "defeat" chaos but to create some instruments, to promote economic growth and create communities with diverse social life.
The possibility of creating a tourist route in Mallakastër as an opportunity to access the remote areas. This itinerary is based on the history and territorial values of a territory rich in history and traditions.
Creating a tourist potential on the Adriatic coast where nature merges with new accommodation structures and public spaces. Urban retraining in historical centers, preserving elements of traditional architecture, bringing a contemporary and inviting spirit to visitors and tourists.
Mallakastër Local General Plan, 2018
Urban planning
Project for the Integrated Urban and Touristic Development, Berat and Permet, 2020
Urban Revitalization
Detailed Plan od the Area of National Importance, 2021
Urban planning
