The Seed, Farka Hills. It is a privilege to be here, in this remarkable corner of the world, above Tirana, where the hills unfold like a natural amphitheatre, embracing the city in its splendour as a laboratory of architecture. From a distance, the landscape captivates – soft and undulating, a vision of beauty shaped over millennia. This place is a Mediterranean oasis, where the movement of the earth itself is felt, a reminder of the forces that have sculpted such an extraordinary setting.
To build here is to ask not just why, but how – to approach this landscape with respect, ensuring that architecture becomes a natural extension of the land rather than an imposition upon it. The design begins with nature – its flowing topography, its lakes, hills, forests, and stones. Inspired by these elements, the new volumes settle gently into the terrain, following its contours in terraced layers that echo the agricultural landscapes of the region. They do not stand apart but emerge from the hills, complementing their historic character, appearing sculpted by time. Their forms blend seamlessly into the landscape, maintaining a sense of lightness and continuity.