Sonila Abdalli – Reimagining Tirana

Creative Spaces for a Circular Future

Sonila Abdalli – Co-founding Director, Destil Creative Hub

In this talk, Sonila Abdalli explores how Tirana can reinvent its urban and cultural landscape through creative spaces, circular economy principles, and community-driven design. An architect, cultural producer, and entrepreneur, Abdalli has spent the past decade shaping one of Albania’s most dynamic creative ecosystems through Destil Creative Hub, which she co-founded in 2014.

What began as a small experimental project has evolved into a network of initiatives that activate underused spaces and blend art, design, and hospitality in innovative ways. Her presentation reflects on how creativity, sustainability, and circular thinking can guide Tirana toward a more resilient future, one where public life, cultural production, and responsible urban development reinforce each other.

Abdalli highlights how nurturing local talent, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and connecting Albania’s creative community with global networks can drive long-term urban transformation.