Zahesi Development Concept

Program: Mixed-use l 15 ha
Team: Nikoloz Gurabanidze, Boka Kilasonia, Niko Qsovreli, Irakli Phetelava, Gogiko Sakvarelidze, Devi Kituashvili, Tatuli Japoshvili, Ana Grigolia, Levan Laliashvili

 

The project area stretches over the north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Mtskheta was the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia. In 1994, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

 Adjacent to the right bank of the Mtkvari River, the project area extends over 15 Hectares. Thanks to its angular spatial arrangement, the area boasts spectacular views of two of the most important monuments of Mtskheta, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. The historic churches are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus that attract local and international visitors year-round. 

 The project aims to create a vibrant community hub, an alternative tourist spot in Mtskheta that will have a far-reaching positive impact within the local context. The creation of new infrastructure in the framework of the project will attract more travelers, ease the traffic and significantly shorten the distance to the city. The proposed project, bound to become one of the city's landmarks, is an excellent destination to spend the whole day, relax, have fun and engage in various activities. 

 Currently, there is only a 12-kilometer roadway connecting the two major tourist points of the city. The project area has the capacity to connect all three riverbanks at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers with a bridge and a ropeway. Crossing the pedestrian bridge to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and then continuing to the Jvari Monastery by cable car is a significant breakthrough when it comes to tourism infrastructure.

 The project area has the opportunity to accommodate the cars of the visitors, Jvari and Svetikoveli, which will significantly reduce traffic and congestion around the temples. The program of the area is multifunctional with cottages, restaurants,  boating and sailing bases, multiple food outlets, commercial spaces and a small runway for airplanes that will allow tourists to move efficiently throughout Georgia. 

 Further development envisions a campsite, a festival space, and a hiking trail creation, among other leisure infrastructure.