Project Name: Naraç Church

Location: Naraç Village, Albania

Design Team: ArkPro

Total Floor Area: 704 m²

Completion: 2023

Photography: Liridon Cani

Feature:

Project - ArkPro Architecture Studio has completed their notable project - Naraç Church in northern Albania, representing the country's first modern Catholic temple designed and built entirely by Albanian talent using local materials. This 704-square-meter structure masterfully combines flowing curved forms with concrete materiality to create a sacred space that is both religiously solemn and aesthetically contemporary.

The design team drew inspiration from "the river that brings the stones, the air that brings the ideas, and the light that brings them to life" to meticulously craft this unique religious building. The project's most distinctive feature is its flowing curved form—a deliberate departure from traditional ecclesiastical architecture with sharp angles and classical elements—creating an inclusive space. The architect's choice of concrete as the primary material directly relates to the site's geographic context, positioned near a river that once flowed through the village.

The interior spaces reveal the design team's masterful manipulation of light and spatial experience. Carefully positioned apertures direct natural illumination exclusively toward the altar, creating a focused spiritual experience. The most ingenious design element is the subtle sloping floor that gradually descends 30 centimeters as worshippers approach the altar, physically manifesting feelings of humility and reverence. The warm wooden roof, inspired by the pure form of a lemon leaf, contrasts beautifully with the concrete walls, introducing organic warmth to the monumental structure.

The uniqueness of Naraç Church lies not only in its function as a religious space but in how it has become the new center of the village, creating a distinctive visual focal point for every resident. In a region where no new religious structures had been built during Albania's long transition period, this church stands as both architectural achievement and symbol of renewed cultural identity, bringing new hope and pride to the local community.

Design Team - Located in Don Bosko, Tirana, ArkPro Architecture Studio has established itself as one of Albania's most innovative architectural practices. Led by principal architect Alfons Shtjefni, the studio embraces the philosophy that "every project is a research and unique," renowned for their deep analysis of site contexts and keen insight into material applications.

Alfons Shtjefni graduated from Switzerland's prestigious Mendrisio Academy of Architecture, completing his education under the guidance of world-renowned architect Mario Botta and studying for over a year under 2009 Pritzker Prize laureate Peter Zumthor. Subsequently, he worked and collaborated with several architectural studios in Switzerland, emerging as a winner in numerous international competitions held within these studios.

The practice specializes in a design approach that uniquely integrates urban planning, landscape, architecture, and design of specific building components, dedicated to setting new global standards through design methodologies. Shtjefni emphasizes that projects should be elements of transformation for their locations while becoming irreplaceable parts of these places. His design philosophy pursues close relationships with sites and future users, enhancing value through materials that constitute nature.

The studio's methodology combines rigorous architectural analysis with keen insight into user experience, demonstrating exceptional ability to balance aesthetic quality with practical functionality in iconic projects like the Naraç Church. ArkPro's influence is manifested through their growing portfolio of high-quality projects, establishing new standards for contemporary architectural practice in Albania.