Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is known for its rich history, culture and architecture. But it is also home to a remarkable urban forest project that has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture/Mies van der Rohe Awards (EUmies Awards).
What is the Tbilisi Urban Forest?
The Tbilisi Urban Forest, also known as the Narikala Ridge Forest, is a large green area that covers the slopes of the Narikala Fortress, a medieval citadel that overlooks the city. The forest was created in the mid-20th century by Soviet biologists who planted pine monocultures to reduce erosion and cool the city. However, the ageing plantations have in the past few years begun suffering significant die-off from pests and fungi, posing a fire hazard and public safety risk.
In 2020, the city of Tbilisi initiated a project to repopulate the Tbilisi Urban Forest with a biodiverse palette of endemic and climate-adapted species. A new approach to afforestation that combines ecology, technology and aesthetics was created and tested in Narikala. The project aims to restore the ecological balance, enhance the recreational value and improve the urban resilience of the forest.
How did the project get shortlisted for the EUmies Awards?
The EUmies Awards are given every second year to works completed within the previous two years by architects from Creative Europe participating countries. They recognize and commend excellence and innovation in the field of architecture. The awards are organized by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe and the European Commission.
The Tbilisi Urban Forest project was one of the 362 nominations from 20 different countries that were submitted for the 2024 edition of the awards. The jury, composed of seven international experts, shortlisted 40 works that create high-quality living environments for everyone. The Tbilisi Urban Forest was the only project from Georgia that made it to the shortlist, and one of the few that are located in relatively small cities and towns.
The jury praised the project for its ambition, considering that architecture is an activity of public interest and must be designed ensuring high-quality living spaces and built environment for everyone. The jury also highlighted the importance of transnational collaboration, as the project involved experts from Georgia, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
What are the next steps for the project and the awards?
The jury will announce the finalists in February 2024. Then, the jury members will visit the shortlisted works and make their final decision. In April 2024, the Architecture and Emerging Winners will be announced. The awards ceremony will take place in May 2024 at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona. The Architecture Prize winner and the Emerging Architecture Prize Winner will receive €60,000 and €30,000 respectively, and they and the project supporters (those who commission the buildings) will also receive a sculpture recognizing their essential contributions to contemporary architecture.
The Tbilisi Urban Forest project is a great example of how architecture, urban planning and governance can work together to achieve long term city projects that benefit the environment and the society. The project also showcases the creativity and innovation of Georgian architects and their partners, who are able to compete with the best in Europe.
