Description of a building in albania

January 14

2014

Auiola Neziri

NDERTIM 1-F

Harmoniously situated on the left side of the main boulevard Deshmoret e Kombit, the pyramid of Tirana was constructed during the system of dictatorship as a symbol of glorification to the image of Enver Hoxha .Pyramidal structure of the building is related to the concept of eternity as inherited from the ancient Egypt and its construction lasted two years, with a cost of 3 million $. Noted for the architectural and historical significance, this building is a living proof of the Albanian society under the regime of dictatorship. It is
located in one of the few parks that have survived the chaotic urban development that Albanias capital has experienced in the past two decades. The exterior outlook of the building consists

of 14 sides built from cement, once covered with a supplementary decorative layer of white marble, while the front entry consists of a glassy structure. The type of marble utilized for the

decoration of the walls of the pyramid is carrara white marble, quite expensive at the time. Angled sides of the pyramid are a living proof of the architectural innovations at a time in which the majority of the architectural projects counted on vertical walls as well as availability of construction materials was limited. One noticeable feature about the Pyramid of Tirana is the step pattern incorporated in the design, peculiarity of Aztec Pyramids. The successful implementation of such intricate project engaged around 300 workers. Despite the complex pyramidal shape, aerial view of the building gives the impression of the wings of an eagle with a red star on the chest. The star was removed as a symbol of communism after the closure of the museum. As an architectural object, the pyramid is distinguished for the harmonious symmetry between the exterior pyramidal shape and the interior voluminous area. What is also impressive about the construction of such object is the absence of columns or other supportive structures as well as the qualitative architectural acoustics. Light penetrating into the building from above generates a soft lightening of the building. Covering an estimated surface of 17000 meters square, the pyramid comprises a unique public area in contrast to numerous prevailing governmental buildings. It is one of the most active centers of social life in the capital, especially during summer. A unique element of such complex, located in the foreground of the pyramid is also the Bell of Peace made by remaining of bullets from the civil war of 1997. However, today, covered in graffiti and surrounded by the encampments of Tiranas homeless, its once white marble walls have now crumbled. From the outside, the pyramid looks abandoned and decayed, with the smashed windows, broken glasses and the top leaking. Despite its symbolic, the present view of such complex architectural structure is that of a dirty building, naked of any qualitative and aesthetic decoration with the concrete structure slowly deteriorating, generating no visual attraction. The surrounding space is currently being used as a parking lot. Initially designed as the mausoleum of the everlasting memory of the last dictator Enver Hoxha, while later operating as the Pjeter Arbnori cultural center (with the cinema, Odeon, Gallery of figurative Arts), unfortunately, today the pyramid has been completely abandoned, serving no purpose, except for being a mean of entertainment to the children who slide down the walls. The task of restoration and transformation of the building in harmony and

coherence with the latest technological advances in field of architecture and construction still remains a controversial issue due to prevailing political debates.