about me
Architect, researcher, and curator based in Lisbon and Tirana.
Elian’s work focuses on exploring ambiguous territories, the revitalisation of abandoned spaces, and collaborative design practices. Currently he directs Galeria e Bregdetit, an independent art space next to the sea in the Albanian Riviera. In 2019 he joined the fourth cycle of the Future Architecture Platform with ARTiLERIA Sazan, a project which aims to use cultural planning and narrative as design tools in the shaping of the landscape of the abandoned island of Sazan. Previously he has exhibited in the Albanian Pavilion at the 13th Architecture Venice Biennale with Concrete Mushrooms, a project which transforms Albania’s abandoned bunkers into a network of tourist attractions, demystifying the communist territorial legacy of Albania.
Other notable collaborations include acting as Associate Curator and General Coordinator of ‘Adhocracy’, an exhibition platform questioning the impact of new technologies and network culture on the practice of design in the 21st century. Adhocracy was commissioned by the 1st Istanbul Design Biennial, and went on to have follow up editions at the New Museum in NYC, and LimeWharf London. Further exhibitions and collaborations include La Triennale di Milano, the EXD’11 Lisbon Biennale, Stazione Futuro at the Officine Grandi Riparazioni of Torino, the Helsinki Museum of Cultures, Strelka Institute, and the Harvard GSD.
achievements & prizes
2020 BigSEE Interior Design Award – Winner
2019 Ardhje: Albanian Under 35 Artist Prize – Finalist
2019 Future Architecture Platform Alumni
2015 Atelier Albania’s Osumi Island Competition – 3rd Prize
2012 13th Venice Architecture Biennale – Albanian Pavillion Participation
2011 Arup Phase2 Stories of Change – Winner in Video Category
2010 Docufest 9 – National Category Official Selection
2009 Politecnico di Milano – Magna Cum Laude Alumni