Gas Station

Driving Through Concrete Topography

This project concerns the design of a service station in Albania, located approximately 100 kilometres from the capital, along a high-traffic highway. Positioned within a context of constant movement and visibility, the building was conceived not merely as infrastructure, but as an architectural landmark.

The starting point was a typological reflection on historical gas stations. In the 1950s, at the height of the automotive boom, these structures were often designed with a strong, expressive character—distinctive, recognizable, and intentionally eye-catching. In contrast, contemporary service stations tend to be highly standardized, driven primarily by efficiency and repetition, with little architectural ambition. This project seeks to recover that earlier spirit, reintroducing identity and formal intensity into a typically generic program.

Concrete was selected as the primary material, both for its cultural and practical relevance in Albania. It is widely available, economically viable, and supported by strong local expertise. Beyond these pragmatic aspects, concrete also allows for a sculptural and monolithic expression, reinforcing the building’s presence within the landscape.

The formal concept draws from the geology of the Albanian Mountains. The roof is conceived as a ‘fifth façade,’ shaped through a double-curvature geometry that evokes the stratified and folded nature of the surrounding terrain. Rather than a flat or purely technical element, the roof becomes the project’s defining gesture—visible from afar and legible from the perspective of passing vehicles.

Natural light plays a central role in shaping the spatial experience. Large openings and strategically placed skylights introduce a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the plasticity of the concrete surfaces and adding an atmospheric dimension to the interior.

Programmatically, the building integrates multiple functions within a single coherent volume, including a café, administrative areas, and a workshop. These are organized to ensure both operational efficiency and spatial continuity, allowing the project to function simultaneously as infrastructure, destination, and architectural statement.