Edi Rama faces scrutiny over tower project architect selection

The British newspaper ‘The Guardian’ has reported on a scandal involving Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama regarding the planning of two new towers in Tirana. While Rama recently stated that the government would seek foreign architects due to a lack of local expertise for such complex projects, investigations revealed that associates of the Prime Minister contacted a Berlin-based architect, Sam Chermayeff, to design the structures.

Chermayeff, who is primarily known for designing experimental kitchens, was asked to project two towers with a total surface area of 45,000 square meters. Chermayeff described the experience as ‘truly crazy,’ noting that he accepted the request without fully understanding the context of the project. The report, part of the ‘Albanian Files,’ highlights discrepancies between the government's stated need for specialized high-rise expertise and the actual engagement of an architect with a different professional focus.