Dr. Rilind Çoçaj, born in Prizren on April 3, 1993, has lived in Varaždin (Croatia) since the age of one, where he began his early education before his family relocated to Čakovec (Croatia), where he completed his secondary education. In 2014, he graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at AAB College, specializing in “Architecture”. In 2017, he completed his postgraduate studies at the Politecnico di Milano (Italy), graduating with top honors (110/110 with distinction and special mention) in the field of Architecture and Building Engineering – Architectural Design, with the thesis “Revitalization of Vukovar. Facing the Danube”, earning the title “Master with Distinction in Architecture – Architectural Design” (MSc).
In July 2022, Dr. Rilind Çoçaj successfully defended his Ph.D. at the Università IUAV di Venezia in the field of Architectural Composition, with the thesis “Between Neo-Avant-Garde Art and Biourbanism. Andrija Mutnjakovic: National Library of Kosovo”, earning the title “Doctor of Research in Architecture, City and Design”.
His professional experience began in 2017, where he has worked and collaborated with architectural firms in Pristina, Zagreb, and Milan, contributing to the design of private and public buildings, as well as the restoration of historical structures.
From 2023 to 2024, Dr. Rilind Çoçaj worked as a consulting architect on the restoration project of the National Library of Kosovo, in close collaboration with academician Andrija Mutnjaković and ALB-Architect.
Prof. Rilind Çoçaj’s academic career began with his doctoral studies, specifically between 2019–2022, when he worked as an assistant and academic collaborator in the architectural design laboratories led by Prof. Maurizio Meriggi in the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies at Politecnico di Milano. Since the 2022/23 academic year, Prof. Rilind Çoçaj has been lecturing the courses “Design Fundamentals,” “Design II,” and “Architectural Composition” at AAB College in Pristina. Starting from September 2024, he will be a visiting professor at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies at Politecnico di Milano, where he will teach Architectural Design.
Since 2016, he has participated in international scientific and professional conferences in Italy, Germany, and Croatia, conducting research on the relationship between architectural design and urban planning, with a focus on the synthesis of art, science, and technology. Key activities include:
He is the author and co-author of book chapters, essays, and articles focusing on architectural composition.
Indexed Journals (SCOPUS):
Dr. Çoçaj’s international, academic, and professional background reflects a synthesis of architectural theory and practice. He is fluent in Albanian, Croatian, Italian, English, German, Slovenian, and Spanish.
