Today is a promising day for Albania’s historical and cultural heritage, as in one of Tirana’s most beautiful and historic buildings—the Concert Hall of the University of Arts—an innovative monitoring project has been implemented using a state-of-the-art technological system.
For the first time in Albania, the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” is presenting an initiative that supports and protects the country’s heritage, in close collaboration with government institutions, the University of Florence, the business sector—such as Tecnopolo d’Abruzzo—and technical partners including Palmerini SCT, West Aquila Srl, Comitech Srl, and MGAD Design. The event was brought together, at the Grand Concert Hall of the University of Arts, leaders and representatives from universities, relevant ministries, Members of the European Parliament, architects, diplomats, students, and other guests.
The event, titled “Structural Monitoring of the Academy of Fine Arts Theatre in Tirana: Technological Innovation for the Preservation of Albanian Cultural Heritage”, was presented through several panels during which the speakers shared valuable assessments, ideas, knowledge, and experiences. Moderated by the project coordinator, PhD Arch. Andia Guga, the meeting generated great interest in each of its scheduled sessions. At the opening, the President of the “Our Lady of Good Counsel” Foundation, Fr. Ruggero Valentini, after thanking the many friends and guests attending this important event, provided an overview of the Foundation’s activities in Albania since the early 1990s. He highlighted this project, which clearly demonstrates the European and academic dimension of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” (UKZKM) and the capabilities of its human resources, who have been contributing to the country’s development for decades. The President also expressed his congratulations to everyone who contributed to this ambitious project, which will monitor the structure of the Grand Concert Hall of the University of Arts for two years.
The Rector of the University of Arts, Erald Bakalli, expressed his appreciation for the realization of this initiative within a university that represents Albania’s creative spirit and cultural history.
In his welcoming address, the Vice-Rector of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, Prof. Edmond Hajdëri, stated that this event holds great importance for UKZKM from several perspectives. The project not only safeguards historical and cultural heritage, but also successfully brings together, for the first time, state institutions, the academic world, and the business sector in a modern partnership. This type of collaboration – Prof. Hajdëri emphasized – is part of the academic development plan that has progressively grown within UKZKM year after year, representing a model of excellence in cooperation between Albania and Italy.
Describing the project as a true success, the leaders of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” (UKZKM) emphasized that this is the first initiative of such scale, which also coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Catholic University.
The Italian Member of Parliament Luciano D’Alfonso, who came specifically from Italy for this event, both cultural and scientific, spoke during the activity about how technology is advancing and how legislation can help make projects of this kind a reality. He also congratulated the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” for this achievement, which, in his view, represents an important contribution to the protection of Albania’s cultural and historical heritage.
The First Secretary for Schools and Universities at the Italian Embassy in Tirana, Sergio Alias, stated that he was impressed by this monitoring project, which is not only being implemented for the first time in Albania but also represents an excellent model for the protection of the country’s entire heritage. The Italian diplomat emphasized that, along with this event, it should be highlighted that the initiative comes from the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” (UKZKM), which has established a successful track record in using technology in this type of multi-partner collaboration.
The Academy Theatre was designed in the 1930s by the Florentine architect Gherardo Bosio. Protecting and preserving this building requires a scientific, technological, and multidisciplinary approach, which is why the initiative presented during this meeting attracted such many participants. Within the building, a structural monitoring system called SHM Board has been installed, featuring advanced technologies for detection, analysis, and risk prevention. This 24-month research and development initiative is co-financed by AKKSHI (National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation in Albania) and Tecnopolo d’Abruzzo.
Using state-of-the-art sensors and patented intelligent algorithms to prevent false alarms, the installed system will be able to detect any signs of structural stress, abnormal vibrations, or progressive building degradation in real time. This will enable not only timely interventions but also the development of a predictive maintenance protocol that can be applied to other historic buildings in Albania. The data collected will be made available to the academic and scientific community, as well as to local institutions and industry professionals.
The designers of this initiative aim to promote a new culture of prevention, in which technology does not replace sensitivity toward heritage but instead enhances it through practical tools.
