On February 6, 2025, the Department of Architecture at EPOKA University hosted the final jury of the Arch 401 Advanced Design Studio, where 45 architecture students presented 22 innovative projects under the theme "Pogradec Creative City." This studio, led by instructors Dr. Egin Zeka, Dr. Joana Dhiamandi, and M. Sc. Marenglen Zyko, challenged students to develop creative and sustainable urban interventions aimed at transforming Pogradec into a dynamic cultural and artistic hub.

The studio explored contemporary urban spaces, emphasizing social, cultural, political, and environmental complexities. The objective was to design creative hubs that integrate exhibition spaces, art ateliers, artisanal woodwork, and local food production, all while preserving the city’s rich cultural and natural heritage. By leveraging Pogradec’s artistic traditions and vibrant community, the projects aimed to highlight its potential as a center for both contemporary art and traditional craftsmanship.

The studio adopted an experimental and interdisciplinary pedagogical approach. Students engaged in socio-cultural programmatic research, exploring multiple design tools, methodologies, and representational techniques. Through writing, diagramming, sketching, modeling, and drawing, they translated conceptual ideas into tangible architectural solutions. The iterative research process emphasized the interrelationship between site, program, and representation, ensuring that each project was deeply rooted in both contextual analysis and creative expression.

The Arch 401 Advanced Design Studio’s final jury consisted of 12 members among them professors who provided critical feedback and assessments of the student projects. The jury members included Prof. Dr. Sokol Dervishi, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edmond Manahasa, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Odeta Manahasa, Dr. Valerio Perna, Dr. Ina Dervishi, Arch. Aleks Shtjefni, M.Sc. Kreshnik Merxhani, M.Sc. Artemis Hasa, M.Sc. Sindi Balla, M.Sc. Katjana Borici, M.Sc. Efris Filipi.

The final jury not only marked the culmination of an intensive semester but also demonstrated the potential of young architects to contribute meaningful solutions to urban development. By integrating artistic, social, and environmental considerations, these projects serve as a blueprint for future urban transformations, reinforcing the role of architecture as an agent of positive change.

The event underscored EPOKA University’s commitment to fostering innovative architectural education, preparing students to address contemporary challenges through interdisciplinary and research-driven design approaches. As Pogradec continues to evolve, these student-led projects stand as a testament to the power of creative urban interventions in shaping the future of Albanian cities.