214th Edition – Zak World of Façades Albania

Main Events 214th Edition – Zak World of Façades Albania

214th Edition – Zak World of Façades Albania

edition

214

Date

29 April 2026

Venue

Maritim Plaza

City

Tirana

Official page Watch the Event

About this edition

Be part of history as we host Albania’s first-ever Zak World of Façades, bringing global expertise and sustainable innovation to Tirana.

This edition will connect international architectural & engineering leaders with the Albanian construction industry, creating dialogue on how global façade trends can be applied to local projects. Meet 200+ architects, developers, façade engineers, contractors, and solution providers, and build connections that matter in Southeast Europe’s fast-growing market. Gain first-hand insights from international experts and local pioneers tackling the façade industry’s most pressing challenges.

Speakers & Panelists

Conference Agenda

Every speaker for the day, grouped by session. Select a topic to see who is presenting, the session focus and the talk points.

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

08:00 — 08:50

Topic

Delegate Registration & Networking

Jona Osmani

General Director of Territorial Development and Control

Municipality of Tirana

Topic

Event Convenor & Host

08:50 — 09:00

Topic

Welcome Address

09:00 — 09:30

Pat Duffy

Associate - Façades

Arup

Silvia Ilardi

Senior Architect - Façade Access and Maintenance

Arup

Sofía Galán Rivera

Building Envelope Design Leader

Arup

Topic

The Façade Approach to Design Process

Talk points

Performances

Sustainability

Access and Maintenance

Case study on Guri Tower, Llamani resort and International Projects

09:30 — 09:55

Marco Casamonti

Founding Partner

Archea Associati

Topic

Materials

Talk points

A critical reading of the current state of architecture – With the end of dominant architectural “languages,” new urban scenarios are emerging, increasingly connected to the role of materials

How architecture is changing through materials – Materials are no longer simply technical components but active agents that influence design processes, spatial qualities, and the way architecture is conceived

From architectural style to material identity – Architecture is shifting away from stylistic classifications towards the use of materials that reflect and reinforce the identity of specific places

09:55 — 10:05

Angelos Zografos

Technical Sales Engineer

Elval Colour

Topic

The Multiparametric Behavior of the Façade Against Fire

Talk points

Façade functions and fire protection

Tests related to the fire behavior of façades

Current challenges

10:05 — 10:15

Sandro Casaccio

Senior Manager - High Performance Products

Kuraray Europe

Topic

Interlayers Applications & Case Studies: Shaping the Future of Façade Performance

Talk points

Different interlayers for different applications

Case studies

10:15 — 10:40

Beat Huesler

Managing Director

Oppenheim Architecture

Topic

Façades as Civic Identity: Shaping Contemporary Tirana

Talk points

Tirana Tower and New Boulevard Tower

College of Europe

Besa Museum

10:40 — 11:10

Topic

Networking Tea / Coffee Break

11:10 — 11:35

Chiara Tosi

Associate

Eckersley O’Callaghan

Michele Andaloro

Associate

Eckersley O'Callaghan

Topic

Enhancing Architecture Through Facade Engineering: From Design Vision to Building Performance

Talk points

Integrated design processes in international practice

Engineering the design intent, not just the detail

Facade durability as a building asset

11:35 — 11:55

Alexander Riemer

Head of Product Management Aluminum Systems

Alukönigstahl

Topic

Healthy Buildings

Talk points

Building envelopes are key factor for healthier indoor environments and high energy performance

How façade systems contribute to indoor comfort, air quality and wellbeing

11:55 — 12:25

Catherine Huang

Partner

Bjarke Ingels Group

Topic

Formgiving: Façade Innovation in Architecture

Talk points

Concept-Driven form – Letting the architectural idea guide the façade

Collective expertise – Unlocking design through collaboration with local specialists

Material reality – Experiencing the transformation from drawing to built architecture

12:25 — 13:05

Moderator

Nikelina Bineri

Project Manager – Building Envelope

Arcora

Panelist

Andi Eftimi

Partner

Atelier 4

Panelist

Edlira Basha

Head - Design and Development, Orion

Founding Partner, Triark

Panelist

Enrique Mascort del Pozo

Chief Architect

Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura

Topic

Designing in Context: Local Approaches with a Global Perspective

Talk points

Balancing design and functionality with high-performance building envelope solutions and supply chain bottle necks

Exploring how similar environmental conditions are addressed through distinct regional façade strategies

How façade systems are evolving to enhance resilience and respond to changing demands for flexibility

Evaluating local versus global material sourcing strategies in terms of economic impact, supply resilience, and carbon footprint

Session summary

Nikelina Bineri

13:05 — 14:05

Topic

Networking Lunch Break

14:05 — 14:25

Luis Garcia

Project Manager

OODA

Topic

Performance and Identity: Integrated Façade Design in Emerging Urban Contexts

14:25 — 14:45

Pietro Pavesi

Associate | Façade Engineer

Faces Engineering

Topic

Façade Engineering Consultancy: Bridging Vision and Buildability

Talk points

From architectural intent to engineered façade concepts

Early-stage decision making and façade strategy definition

From tender to construction support

14:45 — 14:55

Ferran Figuerola

General Manager

Cricursa

Topic

Glass as a Dynamic Design Tool for Façades

Talk points

Glass as a canvas: Graphic freedom through digital prints, colors, textures and transparencies

Glass as sculpture: Curved forms and geometric play in façade design

14:55 — 15:05

Akis Valalis

Owner and General Manager

i-BUiLD

Topic

Façades and Building Envelopes: Thinking Outside the Box to Accommodate Architectural Needs and Visions

Talk points

Eliminating roller weave looks and simplifying frit band application on projecting-out windows - Ritz Carlton Residences, Limassol

Part fire rated (EI120) façades, design difficulties in the connectivity with non fire rated CW - METKA Protos Park, Liverpool

15:05 — 15:25

Ana Vesho

Building Envelope Consultant

Rimkus

Topic

Façade Restoration: Balancing Modern High-rise Development with Maintenance of Existing Soviet-era Housing Blocks

Talk points

Introduction of FISP (Façade Inspection Safety Program) and its application in NYC

Condition assessment of existing soviet-era housing stock against modern high-rise development, ownership challenges, economic constraints, sustainability and energy retrofit opportunity

Case studies

15:25 — 16:05

Moderator

Carlo Zaka

Chief Operating Officer

ALCA

Panelist

Elvi Xhaxho

Technical Director

ALCA

Panelist

Enea Bedo