Traditional public spaces are often experienced as vibrant places that form an important link between the city and the individual dwelling. They function not only as physical connections, but also as social spaces where encounters, interaction, and community building take place. Characteristic of these spaces is the direct relationship between the street and the front door, where residents appropriate their entrances and thereby contribute to the vibrancy and identity of the urban fabric.

In contemporary residential blocks, where dwellings are stacked and accessed through a collective entrance and corridor, this direct relationship is absent. The corridor primarily functions as a circulation space and lacks the qualities of public space. As a result, spontaneous encounters decrease and the sense of connectedness among residents diminishes. Although these corridors are physically located within the city, they are rarely considered part of the urban realm. This research examines the potential of residential corridors to function as vibrant spaces of social encounter.

This paper investigates the Enver Hoxha Pyramid in Tirana, exploring its evolution through three distinct phases of significance. Originally serving as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha during the communist era, the Pyramid later lost its identity following the fall of communism. However, a recent renovation has breathed new life into the structure, leading to its revitalization. The changing social and political landscape in Albania has altered the interpretation of the Pyramid, with some arguing that its long period of abandonment has detached it from its original association with Hoxha, transforming it into an integral part of Tirana’s cultural heritage. While the renovation has successfully restored function and purpose to the building, some may question if the extent of the changes has made the original structure unrecognizable.