Architecture studio OODA has designed DUAS Towers, a 98-meter-tall mixed-use project rising at the intersection of the mountains and the Adriatic Sea in Vlorë, Albania. Taking its name from the Portuguese word for "two," the project consists of two towers sharing the same architectural language—one with a circular plan and the other with a square plan.
Geometric Harmony and Traditional Motifs
From a distance, DUAS Towers makes its most distinct impression through its skyline. The 30-by-25-meter rectangular tower and its 26-meter-diameter circular neighbor apply the same construction logic through different forms. The design team shaped the stepped transitions and stone-cladding rhythm on the facades by drawing inspiration from the traditional "rrodhe" motif found in southern Albanian kilims. The fundamental layout of both towers is based on the combination of a horizontal volume forming the base, a vertical plate rising from the center, and a horizontal element capping the structure at the top.
The Architectural Role of Tomorri White Marble
The material selection for the project highlights Tomorri white marble, sourced from eight different quarries across Albania. Extracted from an inland quarry, this marble features a low-vein structure that allows the exterior facade to adapt to sunlight and surrounding color shifts. Appearing in cool white tones in the morning, the facades take on warm tones at sunset by reflecting the colors of the bay and the hills. Additionally, marble-clad louvers block direct sunlight while framing expansive outdoor views.
The Impact of Material-Driven Design on Architecture
During the architectural design process, structural elements were derived by analyzing the behavioral patterns of marble blocks in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Going beyond being merely an aesthetic cladding, the natural properties of the stone transformed into a functional facade system that directly enhances the towers' play of shadows and perception of depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the name DUAS Towers?
The project's name comes from "Duas," which means "two" in Portuguese, symbolizing the dual structure of the complex consisting of two complementary towers.
How does the marble used in the project contribute to the color change of the facade?
Featuring very few veins, Tomorri white marble offers a dynamic surface that reflects the light angles of the surrounding hills and the sun at different times of the day, turning a cool white in the mornings and taking on warmer tones at sunset.
*This news article was prepared based on data published by Designboom.
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