“In Conversation with TAB Co-Founders and Artistic Directors Otar Nemsadze & Gigi Shukakidze”
The Tbilisi Architecture Biennial (TAB) was founded by Otar Nemsadze, Gigi Shukakidze, Tinatin Gurgenidze and Natia Kalandarishvili. Otar and Gigi mentioned the importance of support of the European Union in this project. Their vision for TAB is to address pressing contemporary issues in Tbilisi and beyond through a dynamic platform that combines observation, theory, and practice. Nemsadze and Shukakidze emphasize that thinking about architecture is an integral part of the discipline, serving both as a foundation for analysis and a catalyst for practical application.
One of the biennial's central inspirations is Gldani, a district in Tbilisi, which informs their primary working themes. Their approach underscores the interconnectedness of theory and practice in architecture, advocating for a holistic view that encompasses both physical structures and theoretical frameworks.
Among their notable projects is "January, February, March," a reflection on the motivations behind their thematic choices. This project exemplifies their commitment to exploring diverse architectural narratives and responding to socio-political contexts.
Looking ahead, Nemsadze and Shukakidze are planning the 2024 edition of the Tbilisi Architecture Biennial, with a focus on resource utilization and decolonization. They aim to continue pushing the boundaries of architectural discourse and practice, fostering a platform for innovative and impactful explorations.
“Insights from Leading Architects: Nikoloz Lekveishvili, Nino Tchatchkhiani, and Givi Jakheli”
Nikoloz Lekveishvili shares his journey, visions, and experiences as an architect. He emphasizes the guiding principle of his studio, "The Algorithm," which focuses on surpassing previous projects to ensure continuous progress. For Lekveishvili, materiality is paramount, often outweighing form. His approach prioritizes the interplay between interior and exterior spaces, recognizing architecture as the art of engaging with light.
Lekveishvili also discusses the evolving role of architects today, highlighting the challenges and novelties in the field.
In another interview, Nino Tchatchkhiani reflects on her path to becoming an architect, a dream she held since childhood. Every project holds significant meaning for her. She identifies two major challenges: preserving the rapidly diminishing heritage and adapting to the ever-changing world driven by technological advancements. Tchatchkhiani emphasizes the critical role architecture plays in these processes.
Givi Jakheli delves into earth architecture, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations. He discusses how traditional methods, like using mud bricks, continue to influence modern construction despite technological advancements. Jakheli's experience highlights the enduring principles and cultural significance of earth architecture.
From the 1860s until 1921, Tbilisi experienced significant entrepreneurial growth, mirroring the capitalist development of Europe. The city's population surge and the construction of railways spurred trade, craftsmanship, and industrial growth, with around 3,900 factories by the late 19th century.
The Soviet era marked a transformative period of industrialization, expanding existing factories and emphasizing local materials. This era fostered both commercial and residential growth in Tbilisi.
The post-Soviet "Perestroika" period saw a profound shift. Privatization of state-owned industries led to the rise of oligarchs and black market activities, altering public perceptions of land use and social relationships. Many individuals lost their professional identities as factories became abandoned relics of a bygone era.
Today, Tbilisi's industrial heritage remains a vital part of the city's cultural landscape. These once-grand factories, now neglected and decaying, hold deep emotional ties and collective memories for the community. They serve as tangible reminders of the city's industrial past and the profound social changes that have occurred.
The phrase "Architecture is the will of the epoch translated into space" by Mies van der Rohe underscores the enduring connection between architecture and cultural identity. Despite their current state, these industrial sites continue to resonate with the community, reflecting the historical and cultural essence of Tbilisi.
In this article, Gvantsa Berdzenishvili explores the painted hallways of Tbilisi, which exhibit a rich diversity in style, themes, and execution techniques. These hallways, encompassing walls, ceilings, and parts of staircases, are adorned with intricate artwork that lacks a singular artistic direction. Instead, they showcase a blend of naturalistic and grotesque styles, featuring both real locations and mythical creatures.
One of the most remarkable aspects of these hallways is the ceiling paintings, which are consistently grand and luxurious. Often, these ceilings feature illusory skies adorned with cherubs, or putti, creating a heavenly allegory that draws inspiration from European paintings across various periods. These artistic creations transform the hallways into immersive spaces that blend real-life stories with mythical elements.
The Ezo Houses of Tbilisi stand as a testament to a unique way of life, marked by a dynamic blend of human expression. Project Kibe aims to preserve these local forms of expression, deeply influenced by Tbilisi's urbanism and its society. Unlike modern housing blocks with windows oriented towards the street, Ezo houses feature windows facing a shared courtyard, creating a communal interior space.
Originally built for independent owners in the early 20th century, these houses were transformed into communal living spaces by Soviet kommunalka laws. This adaptation is evident in the varied materials and modifications made over the past century, reflecting the needs and desires of the residents. The conservation of a single staircase in these houses symbolizes a broader effort to resist decay and maintain the city's unique character.
Project Kibe was made possible through the collective effort of local and international donors, over fifty volunteers, and the community's goodwill. It was an act of collective love for Tbilisi, driven by the belief in preserving the city's spirit and memory.
In addition to Project Kibe, read about the "Alizi/Adobe Brick" workshop led by Idaaf Architects. This workshop, held in the summer of 2022, explored traditional adobe brick-making techniques and their modern applications. "Alizi," meaning adobe brick in Georgian, involves mixing earth, water, sand, hay, and other materials to create sun-dried bricks.
Adobe brick use in Georgia dates back to the Sixth to Fourth millennium BC, with significant archaeological finds in South-East Georgia. While adobe bricks were essential in ancient and medieval Georgian architecture, their use declined by the early Middle Ages. However, well-preserved adobe buildings from the late 19th century can still be found in the regions of Kartli and Kakheti.
The workshop involved research and practical work, visiting these regions to study the history and architectural features of Alizi buildings, aiming to integrate traditional methods into modern construction.
In this issue, read two insightful articles by art historians:
Tbilisi Architecture Archive -A digital platform that publishes biographies, photos, projects, and other works of architects, engineers, researchers, and artists active in Georgia at various times.
Laboratory of Architecture #3- Focusing on urban planning transformation, this project aims to preserve medical functions while uncovering and utilizing public, cultural, and recreational potentials.
Shorisdebuli -A temporary installation made of scaffolding and safety netting, symbolizing and demarcating emptiness.
Project Shakhta -An interactive structure allowing people to climb up and down, providing a platform for symbolic acts, self-expression, and artistic performances, transitioning from underground to above ground.
Platform “Rakursi” -Aiming to discover, explore, and archive diverse architectural and spatial expressions in Georgia, this initiative focuses on revitalizing and activating abandoned and neglected spaces.
Project “Revive Your Neighborhood” -An urban-social project by young architects from the "Urban Development Institute," this campaign transforms nihilistic attitudes and fosters professional development for urbanists, architects, and students.
Key Phrases:
Publishing and Concept: Thea Goguadze (Tea Nili)
Art Historian Editor: Mariam Shergelashvili
Design: Irina Kacharava - iStudio
Translation and Editing: Ketevan Uchaneishvili
Cover: Exhibition view “January, February, March” – TAB (Tbilisi Architecture Biennial) Georgian national pavilion at Venice 18th international architectural biennial; Kibe Project
