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| Bjarke Ingels Group members in Tirana after the winning of the project of the "Faith Park" |
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| Photo from the Faith Park project for Petrele, Tirana |
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| Bjarke Ingels Group members |
A Park Dedicated to Interfaith Harmony
“Faith Park” — or “Parku i Besimit” in Albanian — will be built upon a deeply symbolic idea: the coexistence and dialogue between different religions. It aims to translate Albania’s rich heritage of religious tolerance into a tangible, immersive experience through the harmony of nature and architecture.
The park’s design will draw inspiration from universal religious symbols found in sacred texts — including trees, fruits, and flowers — representing peace, growth, and spiritual connection. Set within the historic Petrela Castle area, overlooking the scenic hills near Tirana, the park will serve as a place for reflection, tranquility, and intercultural exchange.
According to the project’s vision, “Faith Park” is not merely a landscape development but a living monument to unity, inviting people of all faiths to connect through shared values of respect and coexistence.
Bjarke Ingels: “A Home for All Faiths”
In his remarks following the announcement, Bjarke Ingels, founder of the Bjarke Ingels Group, expressed his enthusiasm and sense of responsibility for the project’s purpose.
“This is a project we are eager to refine, cultivate, and bring to life in a way that truly deserves its name — a ‘Faith Park,’ a refuge and home for all faiths,”
said Ingels, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity.
Known for projects that blend innovation with human-centered design — from the Amager Bakke waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen to Google’s new campus in California — BIG’s approach often redefines how architecture interacts with nature and community. With “Faith Park,” the studio is expected to once again push the boundaries of design by fusing symbolism, spirituality, and landscape architecture into one cohesive narrative.
A Vision Supported by Albania’s Leadership
The Albanian Prime Minister who attended the event, praised the project as an emblem of Albania’s ongoing effort to foster peace and civic coexistence through public spaces.
“This is the kind of project we need more of — spaces that inspire coexistence and the spirit of citizenship,”
Rama stated, underscoring the park’s broader significance beyond its aesthetic value.
Rama has been an advocate for integrating art and architecture into Albania’s urban renewal, turning Tirana into a modern European capital that reflects its cultural diversity and religious harmony. “Faith Park” will stand as a testament to that vision.
Institutional Collaboration and Future Prospects
The initiative for “Faith Park” has been undertaken by the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC) in collaboration with the National Territorial Planning Agency (AKPT). Both institutions aim to ensure that the project not only respects the natural and historical landscape of Petrela but also becomes a sustainable model of cultural tourism.
The competition’s international scope reflects Albania’s growing openness to global architectural innovation and its ambition to position Tirana as a regional hub for cultural design. Once completed, “Faith Park” is expected to become a landmark destination for locals and international visitors alike — a serene environment where faith, nature, and creativity converge.
A Symbol for the Future
More than just an architectural project, “Faith Park” embodies a powerful message — one that transcends borders, religions, and generations. In an age often marked by division, Albania’s initiative serves as a reminder of the beauty of coexistence and the potential of design to express shared human values.
By entrusting the project to Bjarke Ingels Group, Albania is reaffirming its place on the global stage — a country where faith, culture, and innovation coexist harmoniously, much like the trees and flowers that will soon flourish within the walls of Petrela Castle.