On the shores of southern Albania, a bold architectural project by Oppenheim Architecture has taken the internet by storm. Featuring a distinctive blocky design reminiscent of the popular video game Minecraft, the new towers in the city of Vlore have gone viral across social media platforms, capturing the imagination of architects, investors, and the general public alike. With their modular aesthetic, sustainable approach, and unique seaside setting, the towers are quickly becoming one of the most talked-about design concepts in Europe.
Architectural Vision
The project includes several high-rise residential towers ranging from 12 to 20 stories. Each structure appears as if composed of stacked cubic volumes, creating a silhouette that strongly resembles the pixelated world of Minecraft.
Chad Oppenheim, founder of Oppenheim Architecture, explained:
“Our goal was to design a modern form that remains in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The blocky structure is not mimicry of a game, but rather a contemporary language of modularity and sustainability.”
The towers are designed using natural stone, exposed concrete, and glass—materials that integrate with Vlore’s coastal terrain while projecting a futuristic image of urban living.
Why the Project Went Viral
Just days after renderings were published, social media users began drawing comparisons between the buildings and Minecraft’s visual style. Architectural forums, TikTok creators, and design influencers fueled the buzz, with some videos garnering millions of views within 48 hours.
Lorenzo Spinelli, architectural critic and blogger:
“It’s fascinating to see digital aesthetics finding their way into the physical world. These towers reflect a broader cultural shift where architecture intersects with gaming and youth culture.”
Memes, reaction reels, and side-by-side comparisons with Minecraft creations proliferated, turning the Vlore towers into a pop-cultural event that transcended traditional design media.
Impact on Vlore’s Real Estate Market
The sudden attention has had a real impact on Vlore’s growing real estate scene. Already considered a rising destination for tourism and second-home ownership, the city is now attracting design-conscious investors and developers.
Current market rates in new developments in Vlore average between €1,200 and €2,000 per square meter, depending on location and amenities. However, local experts predict that apartments in the Oppenheim-designed towers could start from €2,500 per square meter, thanks to their iconic design and sea views.
Marina K., investor from Tirana:
“These are not just homes. They’re architectural statements. I see them as assets that will only grow in value, especially as Vlore becomes better known on the international stage.”
Sustainability at the Core
Known for their commitment to sustainable design, Oppenheim Architecture has incorporated a range of green features into the Vlore towers. The project includes solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and highly efficient window glazing. The modular nature of the construction will also help reduce waste and shorten the build time.
Chad Oppenheim:
“Architecture should be both bold and responsible. In Vlore, we’re proving that aesthetics and sustainability can coexist.”
A New Tourist Landmark
Even before construction begins, the towers have already been dubbed “the new landmark of Vlore.” City officials are reportedly embracing the attention, with plans to enhance the surrounding infrastructure to support tourism, retail, and cultural events around the development zone.
Vlore, nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is rich in history and natural beauty. With projects like this, the city is fast becoming a destination not only for beachgoers, but also for design lovers and digital nomads seeking something original.
Industry Reactions
Leading design publications such as Dezeen and ArchDaily have covered the project, calling it one of the most visually intriguing proposals in the Mediterranean region this year.
Emma Lind, Copenhagen-based architect:
“This isn’t gimmick architecture. The design is rooted in ideas of modularity and climate responsiveness. And it also shows how public fascination can amplify good design.”
Setting a Trend?
The popularity of the Minecraft-style towers is more than just a meme moment. It signals a growing appetite for architecture that plays with form and meaning in unexpected ways. The design world is increasingly embracing influences from gaming, digital art, and even AI-generated environments.
This project exemplifies how imaginative visual language can drive engagement, investment, and cultural relevance—especially among younger audiences who grew up building digital worlds.
Development Timeline and Features
Construction on the towers is expected to begin in early 2026 and will take approximately two years. Developers report strong interest from European and Middle Eastern buyers. The ground floors will include retail units, cafés, and public gathering spaces, while upper floors will feature premium apartments with large terraces, private pools, and rooftop gardens.
Final Thoughts
The Minecraft-style towers in Vlore are more than a viral sensation—they represent a turning point in how architecture engages with popular culture. What began as a digital comparison has sparked serious conversations about the future of urban design, sustainability, and the aesthetics of modularity.
These towers not only highlight Vlore’s potential as an architectural hub, but also reaffirm Oppenheim Architecture’s position as one of the most innovative firms working today. Their design manages to be playful, bold, responsible, and deeply rooted in place—qualities that are increasingly rare in global architecture.
Chad Oppenheim summed it up:
“Architecture should move people. We’re proud to see our vision for Vlore resonate with so many people around the world.”
