Ninoshvili Open Space

Client: Adjara Group

Program: Multifunctional | Recreational | 15,913 sq.m

Team: Devi Kituashvili, Gogiko Sakvarelidze, Natalia Nebieridze, Masha Chigvinadze, Dachi Chezhia, Giorgi Iashagashvili

The beauty of the urban landscape resides in its diversity—a rich mosaic of spaces, contrasting contexts, and the interplay of functions, textures, and elements. Steeped in their multilayered histories, old city neighborhoods possess an unmistakable character. Their atmosphere reveals itself through symbols as if everything around us—a weathered wall, a winding staircase, a timeworn door, a sunlit balcony, a graceful arch, a subtle hue, or a fleeting beam of light—whispers its own timeless story.

 

Transforming a neighborhood of this character presents a profound and delicate challenge: reconciling its historical essence with the demands of contemporary life, weaving it seamlessly into the fabric of a dynamic urban landscape. This task requires a gentle attitude, preserving its defining features while avoiding invasive interventions that might disrupt its spirit.

 

In Okrosubani, a district of Tbilisi, Georgia, a sprawling open space lies tucked along Ninoshvili Street, nestled amidst the urban fabric. Partially enclosed by buildings on two sides and open to the city on the others, this area once thrived as a sports ground. Among its surrounding structures, the former House of Physical Culture at 6 Konstitutsiis Street now stands silent and unused, a relic of its past purpose. Nearby, the former training base of the Sports Association at 52 Chubinashvili Street has found new life as residential housing. Once animated by athletic endeavors, the courtyard is now cloaked in asphalt and serves dual purposes—as a parking lot and a practice ground for a driving school.

 

This neighborhood has evolved, embracing new functions while cultivating inviting and vibrant shared spaces. Its distinctive character emerges from the interplay of past and present, weaving a tapestry of history and contemporary life. This singular atmosphere, rich in its essence, demands thoughtful preservation and attentive care.

The concept for the site is deeply rooted in its history, thoughtfully informed by insights gleaned from research, and elegantly translated into spatial design. This vision seeks to breathe new life into the old, while simultaneously shaping a future that is both visionary and inspiring.

A notable addition to the site is a lightweight structure, ingeniously assembled from modular shipping containers—designed for ease of dismantling, relocation, or reconfiguration as circumstances demand. Adjacent to the gym, sports courts enrich the area, transforming it into a vibrant hub for recreation. The design thoughtfully incorporates spaces designated for food and beverage establishments, enhancing the site’s social appeal. Surrounding buildings are structurally reinforced to preserve their original character, while being repurposed to house diverse facilities, including concert halls, conference rooms, educational centers, and exhibition spaces. This harmonious blend of functionality and preservation breathes new life into the area, honoring its past while embracing its future.