Valentina Pistoli

Valentina Pistoli was the first Albanian woman architect, who was born in Korçë in 1928. She studied architecture at Sofia University and graduated in 1952. She joined the Communist Party of Albania and became a prominent figure in the anti-fascist resistance during World War II. She led the group of architects that designed the 15-story Hotel Tirana, which was one of the biggest buildings during communist times. She also worked on several other projects, such as residential complexes, community areas, theaters, and educational buildings. She challenged the communist ideals of her peers, and created an architecture based on logic and freedom, despite the material and aesthetic limits imposed by the regime. She also promoted Albanian culture and identity, and supported the development of arts and literature. She taught architecture at the Faculty of Engineering in the Polytechnic University of Tirana, and inspired many young Albanian women to pursue the profession. She died in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and courage. She was awarded the Albanian Architecture Award in 2018, which was accepted by her son, Tani Pistoli.