Kengo Kuma Architecture and Urban Design Firm has once again claimed first place in an international design competition. They have been commissioned to design a new visitor center for Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Albania’s Ionian coast. This site holds significant strategic importance and aims to create a new connection between the local community and future visitors to the archaeological area. The project is designed to enhance site accessibility and establish Butrint as one of Albania’s premier cultural attractions.
In collaboration with the Albanian Borderless Cultural Heritage Organization (CHwB), the visitor center is planned to open to the public by 2025.
The visitor center is strategically positioned at a busy intersection of trails linked to the hiking route, nestled between the Vivari Channel and the Lake Butrint wetland. This location leverages panoramic views of the river mouth and surrounding lakes. It also strengthens the connection between the building and local communities, reinforcing their presence and significance to the archaeological site, while fostering a new circular economy.
Based on a thorough site analysis, the architects propose establishing two centers: one designated as the “mountain gate,” which connects visitors to the natural landscape, and the other as the “archaeological site gate,” linking Butrint Lake with the Vivari Strait. The latter will feature public spaces including a plaza for locals and tourists to gather, as well as a contemplative area designed to showcase the dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and scenery.
The landscape design thoughtfully incorporates all existing site elements, especially those related to its more recent historical layers. The site acts like a rewritten storybook, guiding visitors through the “ruins” and revealing a broader narrative. New mountain trails have been introduced alongside integrated transportation strategies, enabling access via electric buses, pedestrian paths, bike lanes, and electric boats with flexible docking options.
Additionally, the project includes the construction of multiple trails, platforms, and docks to improve wetland accessibility and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Recently, Kengo Kuma Architecture and Urban Design Firm has been shortlisted in several international competitions. Notably, they secured second place in the competition to renovate and expand the Turin Egyptian Museum, with first place awarded to the OMA/David Gianotten consortium. Furthermore, they have developed a subtle “floating jungle” concept for the expansion of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece.
Project Drawings
△ Exploded Diagram
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
Project Information
Lead Architect: Kengo Kuma Architecture Urban Design Firm, Kengo Kuma / Anteo Taro Sanada (Managing Partner), Andrea Toccolini (Principal Project Manager), Orges Guga, Wai Ying Man, Sarah Wellesley Sjafei, Jui Ho Tseng
Senior Architects: CHwB Albania, Elena Mamani, Pezana Rexha
Engineering Design: Ervin Paci, Rubin Kodra
Archaeologist: Esmeralda Agolli
Exhibition and Interpretation: YOKE
Estimation Consultant: Igerta Hoxha
Visualization: Brick Visual, Fumiya Kaneko (KKAA, CG Team)
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up