Kengo Kuma wins competition to design of the visitor center in Butrint

Following an extensive two-phase international architectural competition, Kengo Kuma & Associates has emerged as the chosen firm to design the new visitor center at Butrint National Park. This highly anticipated project is poised to strengthen the bond between local communities and the expected surge of archaeological site visitors by strategically placing the center in a pivotal location, thereby enhancing overall site accessibility.

Among the finalists were renowned firms such as Kengo Kuma & Associates (Japan), Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects (Finland), Philippe PROST / AAPP (France), and William Matthews Associates (United Kingdom). The jury comprised global and local architecture experts, alongside representatives from the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), the Albanian government, and UNESCO.

The competition was fully funded by the Albanian-American Development Foundation.

The forthcoming visitor hub at Butrint National Park, characterized by Kengo Kuma’s signature blend of irregular geometries and tessellated surfaces, is poised to deliver an enriched experience for all who visit the site.