My name is Elid Shaqiri.

In October 2015, I graduated from the Polytechnic University of Tirana with a

Master of Science in Architecture. My Master thesis was “Museum of Historical and Cultural Heritage of
Çamëria, in Saranda”. During my studies, at the period between 2013-2015, I also used to work as a
part-time architect assistant. Actually, I am working as a fulltime architect near Sferastudio Architecture
in Tirana, Albania.

I knew deep within me that Architecture would be the main profession in my life. I grew up among
functionality, aesthetics and the practical way of doing things. Influenced by this lifestyle, my passion
about Art and my interest about technology and space, I found my way towards Architecture as a very
demanding union of Art and Science.

During my studies I have been able to take independent projects and work with them from design
through construction. I have also shown my organizational and managerial skills on national and
international team works. I have taken part at the Cooperation projects with Universities such as HES-
HEPIA, Genève (2012), and ESTP, Paris (2013). During my experience as an architect, I have gained a
good knowledge by working on different projects and building typologies such as: landscape, residential
buildings, healthcare buildings, social buildings, schools, industrial buildings, interiors.

I possess excellent computer and technical skills with advanced knowledge of Adobe, Auto CAD, 3ds
Max, Photoshop and Sketch Up and I am a quick learner on new graphics and design programs. I am
extremely detail oriented and this has enabled me to complete every project accurately and to the
highest standard possible. I have interpersonal and communication skills and I can function well as a
team member or as a leader. The main reason I enjoy architecture is to see projects get built. I love the
transformation from thought to build reality and the impact that we can make on the city and the
people around us.

This internship is very helpful for me at this stage of my development because for me it is important to
always be curious of life and to continue to learn, study and gain different experiences.

Outline the challenges of your industry or field and the solutions you propose

Architecture presents a unique challenge in the field of sustainability. Construction projects typically
consume large amounts of materials, produce tons of waste, and often involve weighing the
preservation of buildings that have historical significance against the desire for the development of
newer, more modern designs.

Sustainable development is one such measure, which presents an approach that can largely contribute
to environmental protection. A solution to this challenge is learn how to put a balance between
Environmental protection and Sustainable development that is a difficult and delicate task.

Please describe in detail three specific professional goals you wish to achieve during your internship

1- I aim to Learn, study and gain different professional experiences. I want to have the opportunity to
work together with people from so many international backgrounds while gaining knowledge on various
areas of Sustainable Architecture.
2 – I aim to learn how to use my creativity and perception to correlate the principles of Sustainability to
generate locally appropriate strategies, materials and methods keeping in mind that every region should
employ different green strategies. This kind of architecture aims to continue functioning into the
indefinite future and I want to learn how.

3- I aim to learn how to implement sustainability measures in order to make a positive impact on the
communities. Saving the planet is the primary concern of our generation and I want to start solving it by
implementing the knowledge that I will gain from this internship program, in my own country, Albania.

What are your objectives upon return? 

My objectives upon return are approximately the same as my goals for this program. I want to apply in
Albanian Architecture, the knowledge I will gain from this internship. With an added focus on
sustainability, I want to help ensure that the places in which we live and work are environmentally safe
and resource-efficient.
What would you consider your biggest contribution to Albanian society so far?

I try to give the best of me in every in the projects which I work for. Since the buildings of these projects
are in Albania, they have an aesthetic, emotional and also psychological impact in the society. This
positive impact is also a contribution.

As my biggest contribution, I would like to mention my Master thesis “Museum of Historical and Cultural
Heritage of Çamëria, in Saranda”. I hope this thesis will soon get built into a Museum project.

The Museum is to be a place of memory which will inform us with the History, Culture and Architecture
values of Çamëria before the expulsion of the Albanian citizens from their native country. The region of
Çamëria is not part of Albania anymore. Since 27 June of 1944 it belongs to Greece.

The exhibition of Çamëria's values aims to make it part of the Albanian Identity because if a race has no
history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and
it stands in danger of being exterminated. "

Why do you want to be part of this program? 

I consider this program as an opportunity to do something different and work with different people of
my profession. So far, I have learned that working within large groups of diverse minds is significantly
more advantageous than attempting to change the world alone.

One of my objectives is to learn about sustainable development. Sustainable architecture can be

practiced by maintaining efficiency, beauty, layouts and cost effectiveness. Here in Albania, there is hard
to find this kind of architecture and it is generally not taken into consideration while projecting. But,
saving the planet is the primary concern of our generation and I want to contribute by starting with my
own country.
How will you contribute to the MIP Professional Internship Alumni group at the conclusion of your internship?

Sharing my best practice and provide opportunities for intern interactions that are reached through
these peer-to-peer workshops.

Through my work in this program there can be submitted a number of project ideas which may be
practical or feasible in the framework of a short-term funding project.

If successful, my academic experiences may help tie the work of the sustainability initiative to the
primary educational mission of the university.