Swiss studio Davide Macullo Architects has unveiled a striking veterinary hospital in Tirana, Albania, designed with a unique blend of brutalist concrete and fluid architectural forms. Spanning 2,243 square metres across three storeys, the new building integrates a veterinary clinic and a pet hotel, placing equal emphasis on medical functionality and emotional well-being for its animal occupants.
At the heart of the project are soft, curved concrete walls that enclose a series of elevated terraces, offering outdoor space and natural light to both pets and their owners. According to the architects, the sculptural flow of the building helps alleviate the anxiety animals may feel in sterile, enclosed spaces.
“The fluid forms eliminate any atavistic fears of enclosure, creating an open and freeing environment,” said the studio. “The soft, flowing exterior contrasts with the structured logic of the plan, creating a sense of wonder and harmony.”
From Geometry to Life: Curves Meet Concrete
While the core of the building follows a rectilinear logic, especially in the treatment rooms and offices at the back, the curving outer walls introduce gentle movement into the structure. Convex and concave surfaces create a dynamic, ever-shifting interior experience. The exposed concrete continues indoors, shaping the entrance and reception while offering a raw, yet therapeutic aesthetic.
“What begins as simple, static geometry – rooted in spatial psychology and anthropological principles – unfolds into a dynamic network of curves that turn this space into a true place, full of movement and life,” explained the architects.
Public spaces on the upper floors, including a second-floor canteen, open out onto terraces shaded by the curving exterior. These spaces are not just decorative—they are intended as semi-private, nature-connected therapeutic zones for animals undergoing treatment.
Terraces as Therapy
The terraces feature concrete planters and tranquil seating areas, echoing the building’s organic architecture. These spaces serve as calming zones for pets and their human companions, bringing air, light, and a sense of openness to an otherwise clinical setting.
“The terraces and gardens are not merely decorative; they serve as therapeutic spaces for the ‘patients’, offering them light, air, and connection to nature,” said the studio. “The organisation of spaces for cats and dogs follows the same principles as those for humans: comfort, separation where necessary, and a thoughtful approach to coexistence.”
Davide Macullo Architects’ approach presents a compelling model for future animal healthcare environments—one that respects the psychological well-being of its patients through spatial innovation.