Vet Hospital | Tirana, Albania

Spatial psychology

Architecture represents the most complete of all art forms. It is the precise craft of drawing meaningful lines that, once translated into walls and openings, express the intentions, passions, and aspirations of the designer. More than the act of constructing buildings, architecture creates spaces that resonate with life, culture, and the natural world. Thoughtful design should not only fulfill functional needs but also evoke emotion, provoke reflection, and enhance the well-being of its users. This philosophy is embodied in the Veterinary Hospital project, where vision, passion, and enthusiasm have materialized into a physical place.

Design Philosophy

The hospital’s soft, flowing exterior stands in deliberate contrast to the structured logic of its internal layout, generating a sense of harmony and intrigue. What begins as simple, static geometry- rooted in anthropological principles and spatial psychology -evolves into a dynamic interplay of curves, transforming the structure into a place animated by movement and life. These fluid forms dissolve any instinctive fear of enclosure, cultivating a sense of openness and freedom.

Rather than dominating its surroundings, the architecture rises organically from the landscape in sculptural, wave-like gestures. These curved forms blur the boundary between building and environment, appearing as living sculptures rather than a traditional medical facility. The result is not simply a building, but an alternate world -one that is joyful, mysterious, and designed with the well-being of animals at its heart.

Materials & Landscape Design

A deliberate tension between soft, organic forms and the raw strength of brutalist concrete imbues the design with both durability and aesthetic richness. Terraces and gardens are integral components, serving therapeutic functions rather than mere decoration. They provide access to light, air, and nature -key elements in the healing process for animal patients.

Internally, the spatial configuration is carefully tailored to the psychological needs of its occupants. As in human healthcare, spatial psychology is fundamental. The design ensures that various species, particularly those with natural antagonism, are accommodated with comfort, separation, and an emphasis on coexistence. Spaces for cats and dogs are organized using principles that prioritize ease, security, and emotional well-being.

Cultural Integration

This project contributes to a broader architectural renaissance in Albania -a movement toward institutions that are both intelligent and beautiful. As the country engages more deeply with the world, it faces a critical choice between rigid, ideology-driven design and a more humanistic, nature-aligned approach. Contemporary architecture too often seeks to impose itself upon the landscape, neglecting the essential truth that nature is not an external force- it is intrinsic to life itself.

The Veterinary Hospital is a seed planted for a better architectural future, one that honors Albania’s rich climate, culture, and historical context. It marks a shift from static, commemorative spaces toward living, immersive environments that invite growth, interaction, and vitality. This is not merely a facility -it is a testament to visionary thinking, artisanal skill, and a collective desire to create architecture that serves, heals, and inspires.