The SHARE Architects Journey (2): The Western Balkans

Over the past years, SHARE Architects has organized 22 editions of the SHARE Forum across Western Balkan countries, including Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

These events have gathered over 6,000 participants and featured over 350 speakers from internationally renowned architectural firms and prominent local studios. This wide-reaching engagement reflects SHARE Architects’ commitment to connecting regional professionals with global best practices.

SHARE Architects collaborates with various local partners, including architects’ associations, universities, and government administrations. These partnerships have been instrumental in promoting architectural education, fostering dialogue between public and private stakeholders, and ensuring the integration of innovative solutions into regional development.

SHARE events focus on critical topics relevant to modern architecture and urban development, such as sustainable facades – design and technology, living and working architecture, large-scale projects, innovations in architecture and building technologies, interior design, lighting, and landscaping

These thematic areas highlight SHARE Architects’ commitment to addressing global challenges like sustainability and urbanization while catering to local needs and contexts.

A cornerstone of SHARE’s efforts is the SHARE Opera Omnia Awards, which celebrate the lifetime achievements of outstanding architects. To date, 14 architects from the Western Balkans have received this prestigious recognition, including Petraq Kolevica, Tamara Eftimi, Maksim Mitrojorgji, and Maks Velo from Albania, Branislav Mitrović and Aleksandar Stjepanovic from Serbia, Mimoza Nestorova Tomic, Trajko Dimitrov, and Martin Guleski from North Macedonia, Sali Spahiu, Lulzim Nixha, and Kadrush Grezda from Kosovo, Vedina Babahmetovic from Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Djoko Radovanovic (North Macedonia).

Community-engaged architects, such as Ani Tola (Albania), Bledion Baraliu (Kosovo), and Marta Ilievska (North Macedonia), serve as SHARE Ambassadors, promoting the organization’s mission and facilitating greater engagement between local and international professionals.

Notable Contributions in Western Balkan Countries:

SERBIA

The SHARE Serbia Forum has hosted six editions since 2018, attracting over 1,500 participants and 120 speakers. In organizing these events, we have been delighted to collaborate with the Association of Architects of Serbia and the University of Belgrade—Faculty of Architecture. Topics have ranged from sustainable façades to advanced urban development and large-scale projects, featuring contributions from renowned studios such as Zaha Hadid Architects, Sanjay Puri Architects, AL_A, Amanda Levete Architects, Stefano Boeri Architetti, Studio 3LHD, UNStudio, Yazgan Design Architecture, BMA Studio, REMORKER Architects, Studio Kristof, E-arch Studio, OKRA Landscape Architects, Studio MAPA, NEOARHITEKTI Studio, Null Design, Studio M+, Zabriskie Studio, MVRDV, Bollinger und Grohmann ZT GmbH, proASPEKT Architectural Studio, and Ingarden & Ewy Architekci, among others.

18 Serbian architectural personalities are members of the SHARE Architects Society, an exclusive group within the SHARE Architects network of over 853 international architectural leaders from 42 countries.

ALBANIA

In Albania, SHARE Forums have emphasized themes such as “Good Living & Working Architecture” and sustainable design, with events organized in partnership with the Albanian Architects Association and the Faculty of Architecture & Urbanism, Polytechnic University of Tirana, including cultural partners like the Istituto Italiano di Cultura a Tirana, underscores the events’ interdisciplinary approach. We were honored by the presence of the Albanian Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, and the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, who opened one of these forums.

KOSOVO

The SHARE Kosovo Forum has successfully held three editions, bringing together over 800 participants. The events have focused on themes such as sustainability and functional design, architecture for better living and working, and building components including façades, floors, and insulation. Organized in partnership with the Architects’ Association in Kosovo, the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina,” and supported by the Municipality of Pristina, these forums have fostered robust local engagement and promoted international collaboration.

NORTH MACEDONIA

Since 2017, SHARE Architects has been active in North Macedonia, hosting six editions of the forum in Skopje, which have brought together 3,000 attendees and 85 speakers. Additionally, 15 prominent North Macedonian architects are proud members of the SHARE Architects Society. SHARE Skopje is organized in partnership with the Association of Architects of Macedonia and the Chamber of Certified Architects and Certified Engineers of North Macedonia.

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the two SHARE Forums, organized in partnership with the Association of Architects of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AABiH), have brought together architects and engineers to discuss the future of urban life and sustainable housing. The events have included networking opportunities with leading professionals from across Europe and beyond, reinforcing SHARE Architects’ role as a catalyst for collaboration.

By connecting local architects with their international counterparts, SHARE Architects has established itself as a leading platform for networking and professional development in the Western Balkans. SHARE Architects’ work in this region exemplifies how a focused and collaborative approach can strengthen architectural communities, promote sustainability, and enhance regional and global connections.

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