In a remarkable achievement for Georgia, the Tbilisi Urban Forest project has been named a finalist for the prestigious European Prize for Urban Public Space. This biennial award celebrates outstanding interventions that enhance public spaces across European cities. The project, designed by the Tbilisi-based firm Ruderal, has also been nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Awards.
A Landmark Recognition for Landscape Architecture
This nomination marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a landscape architecture project from Georgia has been recognized by the European Prize for Urban Public Space. Sarah Cowles, director of Ruderal, expressed her excitement, stating, “The Tbilisi Urban Forest project will improve biodiversity, habitat, build resilience to climate change, and provide new recreational opportunities for Tbilisi’s residents.”
The project aims to revitalize the urban forest by replanting it with a diverse array of endemic and climate-adapted species. This initiative is a response to the aging pine forests that have dominated the area, and it reflects a growing commitment to sustainable urban development.
Innovative Design and Ecological Integration
Launched in 2020, the Tbilisi Urban Forest project encompasses two pilot areas within the expansive 700-hectare Mtatsminda territory. These areas include Narikala Ridge, which connects the historic city center to the National Botanical Garden of Georgia, and Okrokana, a peri-urban slope above Tbilisi.
Ruderal’s approach integrates ecological principles with advanced technology and aesthetic considerations. The firm has collaborated with environmental scientists to develop detailed spatial plans that create coherent “patches” of plant communities tailored to specific soil and slope conditions.
- Key Features of the Project:
- Use of endemic and climate-adapted species.
- Creation of diverse plant communities to support wildlife.
- Development of a parametric planting design tool for site-specific adaptations.
This innovative tool allows designers to visualize plant patches at various scales, optimize species mixes based on nursery inventory, and simulate interactions among diverse species over time. The trees for the project are sourced from local nurseries, ensuring a strong connection to the region’s ecological context.
A Model for Global Urban Afforestation
The Tbilisi Urban Forest Project stands as a beacon for sustainable urban afforestation efforts worldwide. By harmonizing ecology, technology, and aesthetics, it aims to create a resilient urban forest that benefits both people and wildlife for generations to come.
The European Prize for Urban Public Space, which recognizes efforts to create and improve public spaces, has selected the Tbilisi Urban Forest as one of five finalists from a competitive pool of 253 submissions. The winner will be announced in October 2024, and the recognition of this project underscores the importance of innovative urban design in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Ruderal continues to work closely with municipalities, institutions, and community groups to guide the design and planning process, ensuring that projects like the Tbilisi Urban Forest not only enhance public spaces but also foster a deeper connection between urban environments and their natural surroundings.
