Light and space in Tirana
From the relationship between natural and artificial light to the perceptual quality of urban and architectural space in the Albanian capital
Keywords:
Natural light, Artificial light, Urban perception, Architectural identity, Urban regeneration
Abstract
Light, in its natural and artificial forms, is now one of the most significant elements in the architectural and urban transformation of Tirana. The dialogue between Mediterranean tradition, technological innovation and sustainability generates new luminous landscapes capable of redefining the perception of public and built spaces. The article explores the role of light as an identity-forming, social and symbolic factor, highlighting how it contributes to urban regeneration, the well-being of inhabitants and the construction of a renewed collective image of the Albanian capital.
References
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- Zumthor, P. (2020). Atmospheres: Architectural Environments – Surrounding Objects. Birkhäuser.
- Bardhi, E. (2021). Urban Lighting and Identity in Tirana. Journal of Architecture and Urban Studies, 14(2), 55–68.
- Böhme, G. (2019). Atmospheric Architectures: The Aesthetics of Felt Spaces. Bloomsbury Academic.
- Boyce, P. R. (2023). Human Factors in Lighting (4th ed.). CRC Press.
- Çela, A., Dhamo, S., & Pojani, D. (2021). Housing, daylight and density in Tirana. Sustainable Cities and Society, 72, 103049.
- Dhamo, S., & Dervishi, E. (2018). Tirana: Transformations of the Post-Socialist City. POLIS University Press.
- Edensor, T. (2020). From Light to Dark: Daylight, Illumination and Gloom. University of Minnesota Press.
- Fabbri, M., & Montenero, A. (2023). Smart Urban Light: Adaptive Design Strategies. Lighting Research & Technology, 55(4), 412–429.
- Frampton, K. (2021). Le Corbusier. Thames & Hudson.
- Frontczak, M., Wargocki, P., & Andersen, R. V. (2021). Lighting conditions and human comfort: A multidisciplinary review. Energy and Buildings, 249, 111180.
- Griffero, T. (2022). Atmospheres: Aesthetics of Emotional Spaces. Routledge.
- Hensel, M. (2021). Architecture in the Age of Environmentalism. Routledge.
- Hoxha, L. (2020). Passive daylight strategies for Mediterranean cities. Journal of Sustainable Architecture, 9(1), 37–49.
- Jovanovic, M. (2022). Light as Cultural Medium in Balkan Urbanism. Architectural Humanities Research Association Journal, 28(1), 61–78.
- Kallfa, I. (2021). Nocturnal Landscapes of Tirana: Light and Urban Perception. Urban Studies Review, 12(4), 67–82.
- Leka, D. (2023). Material Surfaces and Light Efficiency in the Albanian Context. Albanian Journal of Architectural Research, 6(1), 21–39.
- Le Corbusier. (1923). Vers une architecture. Paris: G. Crès et Cie.
- Mavriqi, G., & Shkurti, M. (2022). Light Pollution and Urban Quality in Tirana. Environmental Design Review, 8(3), 115–130.
- Meier, J. (2019). Urban Lighting for People: Evidence-Based Design. Routledge.
- Municipality of Tirana. (2023). Tirana Green and Light 2030 – Strategic Plan for Urban Illumination. Tirana: Municipality Press.
- Panofsky, E. (2020). Perspective as Symbolic Form. Zone Books.
- Pallasmaa, J. (2018). The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses (3rd ed.). Wiley.
- Pérez-Gómez, A. (2022). Attunement: Architectural Meaning after the Crisis of Modern Science. MIT Press.
- Pritchard, D. (2020). Smart Lighting Systems and the Future City. Lighting Research & Technology, 52(6), 615–632.
- Rasmussen, S. E. (2019). Experiencing Architecture (Revised ed.). MIT Press.
- UN-Habitat. (2021). Smart Cities and Lighting Policy Framework. Nairobi: UN-Habitat.
- Velaj, E., & Pojani, D. (2022). Simulating Daylight for Learning: Architecture Education in Tirana. Architectural Pedagogy Review, 10(2), 88–105.
- Veitch, J. A. (2022). Lighting quality and human performance: Integrating science and design. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 47, 287–308.
- Vokshi, A. (2020). Urban Form and Light in the Post-Socialist City. POLIS Papers, 7(2), 33–48.
- Vokshi, A. (2022). Architectural Identity and Light in Contemporary Tirana. In Mediterranean Urban Visions (pp. 211–226). Tirana University Press.
- Zumthor, P. (2020). Atmospheres: Architectural Environments – Surrounding Objects. Birkhäuser.
Published
2025-07-31
How to Cite
Vokshi, A., & Di Nardo, P. (2025). Light and space in Tirana: From the relationship between natural and artificial light to the perceptual quality of urban and architectural space in the Albanian capital. AND Journal of Architecture, Cities and Architects, 1(47), 84-91. Retrieved from https://www.and-architettura.it/index.php/and/article/view/689
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2025 Autor(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
