On May 7, 2020, Maks Velo passed away. He was a well-known painter, architect, researcher, and writer.

The year 2025 marks the 90th anniversary of his birth. The National Book and Reading Center declared it the “Year of Maks Velo.”

Maks Velo was born in Paris on August 31, 1935. After his birth, his family returned to Korçë. He spent his childhood there.

After high school, he studied at the Polytechnic Institute in the Civil Engineering branch. Later, he specialized in architecture. In 1960, he took part in his first design project in Tirana.

The years 1978–1979 marked the hardest period of his life. During that time, the regime arrested him and sentenced him to ten years in prison. He served his sentence in communist prisons. A part of his creative work focused on the theme of freedom under dictatorship.

In his final years, he actively took part in debates on public space management. He published articles and joined various public activities.

Maks Velo authored several books, including Kokëqethja, Palltoja e burgut, Thesi i burgut, Paralele për arkitekturën, Kohë antishenjë, Betonizimi i demokracisë, Hetimi, Spaçi, Jeta ime në figura, Klubi Karavasta, Përkthyesi, and Jetë paralele.

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