Nominator: Ideal Vejsa

Nominator's statement

Egzon Dana, Partner Architect at Maden Group, has significantly influenced Kosovo's architecture. Since joining Maden Group, he has advanced from intern to partner, exemplifying dedication and growth. His leadership in projects like Ulcinj Stadium, Vlora International Airport, NOYA, Homme the store, Duplex Futura, M Sora, Expo Tirana, Green Coast, Carnival Chain, Hotel Mercure and many more showcases his commitment to innovative design and excellence. Egzon's passion for architecture, art, and design drives him to create spaces that enhance user experiences and contribute positively to architecture in Kosovo.

ULCINJ CITY STADIUM AND SPORTS COMPLEX

The Flying Line Stadium

Location: Ulcinj, Montenegro

Project Year: 2023

Award: Second Place UEFA – Category 2

Architects: Maden Group

Professional Consultant: Arber Shita (Arch)

Structural Consultant: Zijadin Guri (Civil Ing.)

Local Consultant: Arbra Avdiu (Msc. Arch)

The Flying Line is an architectural solution that integrates the plots in a natural way to lead to the determining location of the Long Beach.The shading structure of the stadium, as a central design element, was inspired by the frequent paragliding activities present in the Long Beach. The lightness of this activity is the fuel to the design of the shading structure of the stadium which also is distributed within the site to provide shade as well as a connection throughout the plots.

It aims to create a connection between the beach and the given plots by bringing new life to the location through the introduction of new sports and recreational activities on the site that connect to the new stadium building of Ulcinj. An intervention as such is created to bring a new energy and positivity to the site and enhance the liveliness that the area is especially known for during the summer season. The design of the stadium, although initially as a primary objective, blends within the sports complex that honors the potential of Ulcinj to grow and develop further as a city for sports tourism due to its all-year round warm climate and sandy beaches. The addition of a new football stadium that accommodates football matches for national and international teams, as well as spaces to serve visiting football teams and the invitation to a new movement within the site stands at the basis of concept of the Flying Line.

The proposal for the new city stadium is located in Ulcinj’s Long beach and features a sports complex that extends within two plots. The proposal involves a conceptual functional and recognizable architectural-urban solution, based on the parameters and recommendations that are specified in the competition task. The design proposal is proposed as the basis for the preparation of the technical documentation in the next stages of the Project.

The Stadium Building accommodates all the necessary functional spaces for the designated users: the spectators, players, VIP guests, journalists and media reporters, visitors and managing staf. The volume of the stadium is lightened by the tensile shading structure and creates an immediate connection with the context.

VLORA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Project: Vlora International Airport

Architects: Maden Group

Location: Vlora, Albania

Area: 23,340 m2

Project Year: 2025

The Vlora International Airport is strategically located to enhance air travel in one of Albania's most important tourist and economic regions. Vlora’s geographical position makes it an ideal gateway for nearby cities like Berat, Gjirokastër, and Saranda, which are rich in history and culture. The airport will improve access for international tourists, boosting tourism and economic growth in the region.

In terms of infrastructure, the airport will provide global air connections, easing the pressure on Albania’s other busy airports, particularly Tirana’s. The design of the airport is inspired by Albania’s cultural heritage, incorporating traditional architectural elements, local craftsmanship, and warm, welcoming colors and materials.

The interior design takes inspiration from salt structures and the morphology of the Dunaliella salina algae, integrating dynamic metallic bars and colors representing the local environment. This creates a space that not only serves as a transit point but also reflects Albania’s culture and history, offering travelers a unique and meaningful experience.

The airport will positively impact tourism and economic development in Vlora, Fier, Berat, Tirana, Shkodër, Himarë, and Saranda.

HOMME

The mirror gives another dimension to the space due to its size but also due to the surprising effect of seeing a mirror staying perfectly put inside a scaffolding. Another "urban" element to the store is the bar, which is made up of exposed black glass bricks. One can easily enjoy a drink as they look around for what clothes to buy in the store

The back of the store opens to a terrace which is again another added surprise to the whole “shopping” experience. The calmness of this icy urban interior is continued in the terrace with opaque curtains surrounding the space and colorful chairs and tables. The urban environment would not be complete if it would not have pieces of contemporary art in it. The painting by Yll Xhaferi, a well-known contemporary artist in Kosovo, enriches the space and adds vibrancy to the calmness of the terrace.

Steel for shelving, tubular neon lights, a high ceiling and corrugated metal sheets, a glass brick bar with drinks and neon colored furniture, strengthen Homme’s reworked identity and combine a shopping experience with that of cocktail bar experience, while at the same time making the visitor completely forget that they are within a shopping center in the first place.