INTERNATIONAL CONCEPT DESIGN COMPETION FOR KORÇA FOOTBALL STADIUM

DETAILED CONCEPT DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR KORCA STADIUM PHASE II

"Park Stadium" represents a highly productive collaboration between the well-known architectural firms Archea Associati, led by Marco Casamonti, XPlan Studio, and our colleagues Gjergji Islami and Olsi Mino. This collaboration took place during one of Albania's most significant recent competitions, focusing on the second phase of the International Concept Design Competition for the Redevelopment of the Stadium Complex "Skenderbeu" and the restoration of the Sport Palace in Korca.

Inspired by the city's landscape, our project takes a conceptual approach that surpasses the traditional role of a stadium. Our aim is to redefine the urban system of spaces and landscapes, transcending the boundaries of sports and reshaping the city to enhance its overall performance.

The main objective of our design was to connect, enrich, and enhance the existing urban fabric by introducing additional functions, perceptions, and experiences within a cohesive design solution. The vision for the new Korça stadium extends beyond being a mere sporting venue; it strives to become a vibrant meeting point for people, a central hub of interest within the city, a connecting element between different urban areas, and a space to appreciate nature and the surrounding landscape.

Our design concepts encompass a series of ideas. Firstly, we propose a complex structure that combines the stadium, an Olympic pool, cultural spaces, commercial and recreational facilities, and a hotel, offering an all-in-one solution. By creating a sizable and multifaceted structure, we aim to generate continuous activity in the area while also establishing an iconic building and a public space. The elliptical shape of the building, designed to be walked upon, serves as a public square, a sports venue, a destination for shopping and recreation, and a must-visit attraction for tourists. This design intends to become a prominent city landmark and a catalyst for activity, reinvigorating the northern part of the city.

Furthermore, we anticipate that our intervention will have a far-reaching impact beyond the competition site, influencing the wider urban structure. This includes the university campus, Rinia Park, and the two main boulevards of the city. Our design acts as a hinge that synchronizes and connects various elements of the urban system.

While we may not have been selected as the winners, we take immense pride in our project, as it represents a remarkable innovation in the way a sports arena can be envisioned, not only in terms of its sporting function but also its integration within the city and its impact on individuals.