{"id":13102,"date":"2025-08-02T16:30:03","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T09:30:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cstc.vn\/blogtsk\/omas-mangalem-21-masterplan-steps-checkerboard-of-homes-down-slope-in-tirana-albania\/"},"modified":"2025-08-02T16:30:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T09:30:03","slug":"omas-mangalem-21-masterplan-steps-checkerboard-of-homes-down-slope-in-tirana-albania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cstc.vn\/blogtsk\/omas-mangalem-21-masterplan-steps-checkerboard-of-homes-down-slope-in-tirana-albania\/","title":{"rendered":"OMA\u2019s mangalem 21 masterplan steps checkerboard of homes down slope in tirana, albania"},"content":{"rendered":"

mangalem 21 responds its layered context as a series of blocks<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

OMA\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> Mangalem 21 occupies a steep site in eastern Tirana, Albania<\/strong><\/a>, shaped by a 27-meter elevation change from top to bottom \u2014 roughly the height of a nine-story building. Framed by communist-era housing blocks to the north and informal developments to the south, the residential<\/strong><\/a> masterplan<\/strong><\/a> responds to this layered context with a rhythmic and vibrant sequence of buildings and courtyards. Developed with Kontakt, the complex adopts a checkerboard layout that balances urban density with green, communal space.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The entire ground level is pedestrian-only, with parking and vehicular access placed below ground. This frees up 70% of the surface area for public plazas, gardens, and circulation, resulting in a calm and accessible urban setting. As the slope steps down, buildings are arranged so that each looks over the one below, allowing for open views and sunlight across the site.<\/p>\n

all images courtesy of Kontakt<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

oma\u2019s tirana masterplan introduces porosity into the grid<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

At the architectural scale, Mangalem 21\u2019s design transforms the regular grid into a more spatially active fabric. Tangent corners and overlapping volumes are articulated through three new typologies: the straddle core, where circulation is shared between buildings; the straddle apartment, which spans two structures; and the kissing corner, where two volumes meet. These configurations introduce porosity and variation across what might otherwise be a rigid plan.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A carefully curated color palette further animates the development\u2019s fa\u00e7ades. Referencing Tirana\u2019s 2000s city-wide mural initiative led by then-mayor Edi Rama, international practice<\/strong><\/a> OMA introduces color through standardised openings, shifting patterns, and selective accents across walls, window frames, and shutters. The resulting visual language is diverse yet cohesive. With the stepped arrangement revealing multiple elevations at once, rooftops are treated as fifth facades \u2014 visible from above and woven into the spatial rhythm. Together, these elements aim to establish a new model of urban living in Tirana that integrates high density with visual diversity, open space, and a flexible architectural framework that evolves with its residents\u2019 needs. The project builds a walkable, inhabited landscape that ties individual experience to a collective urban form.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Mangalem 21\u2019s facades emerging from the urban edge<\/p>\n

colorful residential blocks<\/p>\n

the residential masterplan responds to its layered context with a rhythmic sequence of buildings and courtyards<\/p>\n

the interplay between vibrant facades, arcades, and planted courtyards<\/p>\n

the design references Tirana\u2019s 2000s city-wide mural initiative led by then-mayor Edi Rama<\/p>\n

\t<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

framed by communist-era housing blocks to the north and informal developments to the south<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\t\t<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

project info:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

name:<\/strong> Mangalem 21
\narchitect:<\/strong>\u00a0OMA<\/a> | @oma.eu<\/a>, Kontakt<\/a><\/p>\n

location:\u00a0<\/strong>Tirana, Albania<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

designboom has received this project from our\u00a0DIY submissions<\/span><\/a>\u00a0feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers\u00a0here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

edited by: Ravail Khan | designboom<\/p>\n

The post OMA\u2019s mangalem 21 masterplan steps checkerboard of homes down slope in tirana, albania<\/a> appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

mangalem 21 responds its layered context as a series of blocks \u00a0 OMA\u2019s Mangalem 21 occupies a steep site in eastern Tirana, Albania, shaped by a 27-meter elevation change from top to bottom \u2014 roughly … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[142],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nOMA\u2019s mangalem 21 masterplan steps checkerboard of homes down slope in tirana, albania - Blog TSK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cstc.vn\/blogtsk\/omas-mangalem-21-masterplan-steps-checkerboard-of-homes-down-slope-in-tirana-albania\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"OMA\u2019s mangalem 21 masterplan steps checkerboard of homes down slope in tirana, albania - 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