On Day 1 of the Energy, Construction & Green Economy (ECGE 2025) event, Msc. Arch. Jetmir Goga, Co-founder and Technical Director of X-Plan Studio, shared his insights on how Albanian architecture is transitioning from a focus on aesthetics to one centered on performance, sustainability, and long-term functionality.
Goga explained that buildings are no longer seen merely as visual objects, but as systems that must perform efficiently over time. “We are moving from an architecture of appearance to an architecture of performance,” he said. While aesthetics remain vital, they are now shaped by context, climate, light, and material. “A beautiful form today is one that works well, it protects from heat, allows daylight, and coexists harmoniously with its surroundings.”
According to Goga, truly “green” architecture in Albania is not defined by expensive technology, but by intelligent design. Thoughtful use of natural light, ventilation, orientation, and durable local materials often have a greater impact than high-end systems added later. Encouragingly, he noted that more Albanian studios are now working with European standards, integrating daylight simulations, thermal analyses, and energy performance evaluations into their design process.
He also emphasized that successful sustainable construction relies on strong collaboration among architects, builders, investors, and technology providers. Investors must understand that green buildings are long-term value, not added cost.
Builders should be involved early in the process, and technology providers must adapt their solutions to our local realities.
Goga pointed to European frameworks such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Level(s) sustainability indicators as essential tools for aligning all stakeholders under shared, measurable standards. He further highlighted the need to integrate these frameworks into university programs so that students can apply them in real-world projects and adopt sustainability as standard practice.
In closing, Goga remarked that Albanian architecture is not losing its aesthetic value, it is redefining it. “When form grows naturally from function, climate, and material, it becomes timeless,” he said. “That is the most beautiful transformation taking place in our architecture today.”
Source: Glass Balkan
