The restoration to the main building of the University of Arts in Tirana has entered its last phase in a renovation project being implemented under the Pact for the University. The renovations to the historic main building of the University, an important cultural heritage site, will provide optimum conditions for the students and university professors.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has caused disruptions and significant challenges, the restoration project was completed on schedule and within deadline. Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by the Minister of Culture Elva Margariti, inspected the transformed building, which has never undergone e complete restoration process before. “The improved acoustics is evident not only in the university halls, but also in the common premises,” Culture Minister said.

The building’s ceiling, lighting system, as well as mechanical and electric system has been radically transformed. “This is where we have actually unveiled the project to students as part of decisions under the Pact for the University. It is actually a design by the Architecture Faculty students in collaboration with the students of the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Genoa. They have conducted a feasibility study of the entire surrounding area and not only the University building. This has now entered the phase of the feasibility study as part of the agreement we have signed on all university spaces, not only the University of Arts, but also the Students City and the Academy of Police,” Culture Minister Margariti added.

Kastriot Çaushi, the Rector of the University of Arts, said that due to the poor conditions, students and professors alike could enter the building if they were wearing a scarf during winter.

Speaking about the major project on construction of a new students campus in Tirana, the government head said: ”A meeting took place on Thursday to discuss the major investment in building the new university campus. The investment will include the students’ dormitories area, the Academy of Police and the Academy of Arts. These are the three areas to be included in this investment project, whereas in the building’s interior we plan to build a half-ellipse shaped hall. I believe the investment will commence in the fall.” Speaking about this project, Culture Minister added: “The idea is that a huge square to host outdoor events is built on the new segment linking the University with the stadium. In addition to the existing old hall, the project includes construction of two other modern halls.”