EMBASSY OF PEACE

The Embassy of Peace is part of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), an international and interreligious network of individuals and organizations, including representatives from religion, government, civil society, and the private sector, dedicated to achieving world peace. An NGO in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, UPF supports the work of the United Nations, particularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, peace education, and the strengthening of marriage and family. The new headquarters of the Embassy of Peace is in a prime location just off the Elbasan Road at the Eastern entrance of Tirana, near the Great Park. The steep terrain on which the building was built was challenging, and the slope and the dense urban conditions influenced the basic elements of its design.

Conceptually, the building has been treated as a “House of Peace”, where the primary and simple form of the building has undergone a sculptural process of cuts and clefts to give it a contemporary and dynamic appearance. These features include a large panoramic roof terrace, as well as an impressive main entrance to the building. Other distinctive features allow for the entry of natural light into the below-ground floors, which are used for offices and conference rooms. The white color symbolizes the purity of the peace that exists and should exist among people, whilst the red color in the clefts made over the building emphasizes the fragility of peace. This contrast between the two colors takes on different appearances as it intensifies or fades with the movement of the sun during the day, whilst nighttime illumination presents a different perspective.

Looking from the building, people can have a panoramic view of the city and the large park from the large terrace and the various openings in the facade. This is made possible by a special construction project in reinforced concrete. The exterior image of the building reflects a modern style of clean lines, through white tiled facades, interspersed with glass elements, giving it a balanced composition. The building is equipped with high technology and features special elements, that make it one of the most advanced institutional buildings in Albania. The 300-seat hall located underground, together with a series of offices and ancillary facilities, is the result of a detailed study of the introduction of zenithal light through the windows located on the ground floor plan.