University Metropolitan of Tirana, through the students of its Department of Architecture, organized a unique exhibition in the historic city of Berat, addressing essential themes such as hospitality, urban development, and cultural heritage. This event showcased student projects as a testament to their creative abilities and commitment to preserving and transforming the city’s values, renowned for its history and architecture.
Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a city rich in history and culture, blending Ottoman and traditional Albanian architecture. In this context, hospitality as an architectural concept takes on a new dimension, aiming to preserve historical authenticity while creating spaces that meet modern community and tourism needs. UMT students, guided by faculty members of the Department of Architecture, developed projects that challenge conventional design boundaries to address these requirements.
The exhibition brought together a diverse group of participants, including high school seniors from Berat’s Artistic High School and other schools, UMT students, representatives from Berat Municipality, and members of the local educational community. This diversity created a collaborative environment where new ideas were openly and constructively discussed.
Dr. Sonila Daiu, Dean of Students at UMT, emphasized the exhibition as an exemplary synergy between higher education and local institutions. She highlighted that such activities help create a platform for young people to share their visions for the sustainable development of the city.
Dr. Ernest Shtepani, Head of the Department of Architecture at UMT, spoke about the significance of fresh ideas brought by students and their contributions to the preservation and renewal of Berat. He noted that the exhibition represents a step toward creating a continuous dialogue between new generations and professionals in the field.
An inspiring message was also delivered by Mrs. Fitore Sulejmani, Advisor to the Mayor of Berat, who highlighted the Municipality’s commitment to supporting youth initiatives that merge creativity and sustainable development. She emphasized that such projects are an investment in the city’s future.
Mr. Petrit Stasa, a prominent figure in Berat’s artistic education, underscored the importance of developing an educational ecosystem that nurtures talent and creativity among young people, contributing to a community that values art and architecture.
UMT’s Role in Enhancing Heritage
The exhibition was not merely a showcase of student projects but also a signal of UMT’s commitment to acting as a catalyst for change. The university aims to foster dialogue between public institutions, the private sector, and the community to address complex challenges related to urbanization, tourism, and heritage preservation.
The exhibition laid the groundwork for new collaborations in the future, demonstrating how higher education can help develop a sustainable and culturally friendly city. The students’
projects not only inspired attendees but also provided concrete solutions to the urban challenges Berat faces.
Looking ahead, UMT plans to expand this collaboration model to other Albanian cities, turning innovation and education into cornerstones of national development. Thanks to this exhibition, Berat was enriched with fresh ideas and strengthened its role as a center of Albanian heritage and culture.
This activity clearly demonstrates how architecture can be used as a tool to preserve identity while promoting a new vision for hospitality and urban development. UMT’s exhibition was not merely an academic presentation but a manifesto for change, offering a clear example of the power of youth and education to shape the future.