Architecture firm OMA has been awarded a contract to design a redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi Stadium in the Albanian capital of Tirana.
OMA will reconfigure the stadium, which was built in 1956, as a mixed-use development. The project will expand the existing capacity of the stadium from 9,500 to 15,000, with OMA seeking to make the venue a catalyst for closer connections between different neighbourhoods in Tirana.
The mixed-use development will feature a layered composition covering new buildings and open spaces, in reference to Albania’s mountainous landscape. Other features will include a triangular plaza at the entrance to the stadium, along with apartments, a hotel, offices, retail space, and food and beverage offerings.
The plaza will function as a fan zone or a space for spontaneous activities. A new stadium bowl will feature unobstructed stands and clear sight lines for spectators, who will be located closer to the pitch.
Selman Stërmasi Stadium serves as the home venue of KF Tirana, which competes in Albania’s top-tier football league.
David Gianotten, OMA managing partner, said: “Football is a cornerstone of urban culture and national identity across Europe and around the world, and we feel it especially intensely here in Tirana. Our design is meant to accelerate the exciting changes taking place in the city, while fostering closer bonds within and between neighbourhoods and communities here.”
Gianotten designed the proposal alongside OMA associate Kees van Casteren, in collaboration with LOLA Landscape Architects, Royal HaskoningDHV, and Petrit Halilaj.
OMA’s proposal was selected ahead of entries from Foster + Partners, FAR frohn&rojas, OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen, and Zaha Hadid Architects.
