Tirana—and Albania as a whole—have undergone a remarkable transformation, moving from an oppressive totalitarian regime to a free and open society. This profound shift is what inspired Daniel Libeskind to engage with the city. With the Magnet project, his vision was to channel this spirit of liberty and renewal into a new kind of neighborhood—one that embodies openness, vibrant urban life, and a strong sense of place, offering a quality of living that resonates both locally and globally.
Libeskind’s design introduces a new typology for Tirana — one that contributes meaningfully to the lives of citizens. This is a high-density neighborhood, but it is also a deeply human one: sustainable, ecological, and filled with beautiful vistas, public piazzas, and lively pedestrian energy. At its core, the project is about people — about re-centering urban design around human scale, interaction, and joy.
The neighborhood offers space for families, for bicycles, for children, for gathering — with playgrounds, greenery, and amenities that make it a truly livable part of the city. Every apartment is designed to offer light, air, and a strong connection to the surroundings. The blocks themselves are a new architectural idea: open to each other, built around gardens, and connected through a pedestrian network rich with opportunities. This is not just planning — this is creating space through massing, perspective, sky, light, and material. It is a three-dimensional experience of the city.
Libeskind explains that the project is based on the genius loci — the spirit of place — and responds to Tirana’s history, its proportions, and its light. Magnet is a continuation of Albania’s evolving urban story, one that reflects coexistence, diversity, and the shared aspirations of its people. It introduces a new philosophy of residential construction — one that rethinks the relationship between human and space.
It goes beyond traditional housing. It offers individuality, openness, and a deep sense of belonging. The relationship we have with space shapes our understanding of ourselves, of place, and of community.
As Libeskind puts it:
“The word ‘statues,’ even the image, is something old-fashioned. I think it is more than statues today — it's about creating spaces, public spaces, that can make people care about things they didn’t know about.”
Magnet is one such space — a place that speaks to the future of Tirana, and to the power of architecture to transform not just cities, but lives.
2013
2021
Kontakt, as the development and construction partner, is responsible for translating this visionary design into a tangible, high-quality urban environment. The project comprises high-density residential blocks organized around green courtyards and connected via a pedestrian-first circulation network. Our role includes delivering smart, efficient, and sustainable construction that meets global standards while responding to local context and conditions.
Each housing unit is engineered for maximum light exposure, ventilation, and visual connection to outdoor spaces. Public amenities—green spaces, playgrounds, bicycle infrastructure, and gathering areas—are embedded into the masterplan to enhance quality of life. Working closely with Studio Libeskind, Kontakt ensures the integrity of architectural intent is preserved throughout all phases of development, from massing and materials to spatial experience and environmental performance.
Together, Kontakt and Studio Libeskind bring a rare combination of international design excellence and local construction expertise to the Magnet project. This collaboration is committed not only to building new architecture, but to helping shape the future identity of Tirana as a dynamic, inclusive, and world-connected capital.
Developer & Construction Partner
Kontakt LTD
Kontakt is a leading development and construction company, with over two decades of experience in delivering high-quality projects. As the implementation partner for the Magnet project, Kontakt brings deep local expertise in urban development, sustainable construction practices, and regulatory compliance. The company is responsible for project delivery, including site development, construction management, and integration of infrastructure and public amenities.
Architectural Design Lead
Studio Libeskind – Led by Daniel Libeskind
Studio Libeskind is an internationally renowned architectural firm known for iconic, context-driven projects around the world. Under the creative direction of Daniel Libeskind, the firm leads the architectural vision of the Magnet project. Studio Libeskind is responsible for master planning, architectural concept and design development, and coordination of the overall spatial and experiential identity of the neighborhood.
Kontakt LTD
