The Grand Ballroom by MVRDV is a 6,000-seat sports arena in Tirana, combining residential, hotel, and retail spaces in a striking spherical design that creates a landmark while connecting with public plazas and the city.
Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital, is undergoing a remarkable urban transformation guided by the long-term Tirana 2030 (TR030) Master Plan. Originally developed in 2017 by Stefano Boeri Architetti, UNLAB, and IND [Inter.National.Design] through a competition hosted by the Ministry of Urban Development, the plan aims to boost urban density, enhance public infrastructure, and incorporate green spaces throughout the city. Within this evolving urban landscape, MVRDV has emerged as the winner of the international competition for Tirana’s new Asllan Rusi Sports Palace.
The project, known as The Grand Ballroom, is an ambitious mixed-use development featuring a 6,000-seat arena designed for basketball and volleyball, alongside residential apartments, a hotel, and street-level retail spaces. Its striking spherical form, over 100 meters in diameter, positions it as a standout landmark in Tirana’s growing portfolio of contemporary architecture.
The building’s functions are thoughtfully layered. At street level, the sphere creates a recessed public plaza with stepped seating and terraces that lead to a ring of retail outlets, cafés, and supporting amenities. The main arena rises above this base, while two hidden training courts are discreetly tucked beneath the stands. Above the arena, two hotel floors offer guests panoramic views of the sporting events, with rooms and communal areas cantilevering over the arena, culminating in a dramatic oculus at the ceiling.
Beyond its visual impact, the spherical design is highly functional. Strategically located along the primary route connecting Tirana Airport and the city centre, the structure offers a continuous 360-degree presence, with no “back” façade, ensuring seamless integration with its urban surroundings. By stacking residential and hotel functions above the arena, the design maximizes density on a compact site while creating generous open spaces at ground level for public plazas and outdoor sports areas. The inward taper at the base fosters connection with the city, while the top taper forms private terraces for residents, blending functionality with bold architectural expression.
