Location: Tskaltubo, Georgia
This pROJECT addresses the reimagining of Tskaltubo, a balneological town in Georgia known for its therapeutic thermal waters and grand Stalinist architecture. Currently, Tskaltubo is characterized by abandoned buildings flooding in nature, where refugees live in poor conditions. The project aims to transform Tskaltubos urban void by creating a supportive and sustainable environment for refugees while revitalizing the underutilized central park. The proposal envisions a comprehensive urban renewal, integrating residential, educational, and workspaces within the central park to foster a vibrant, inclusive community. Enhancing the towns balneological heritage, particularly its thermal water infrastructure, is a key component of the project, aiming to restore Tskaltubos reputation as a health and wellness destination. The architectural approach respects Tskaltubos historical Stalinist and brutalist influences, reinterpreting these styles into simple geometric forms inspired by Suprematism1. This fusion of existing architectural grandeur with modern simplicity seeks to harmonize the built environment with nature. Ultimately, the project seeks to improve living conditions for refugees and invigorate urban life, creating a cohesive community where nature, architecture, and social functions converge. By empowering refugees, enhancing the balneological aspects, and reconnecting the park with its surrounding inhabitants, this thesis endeavors to transform Tskaltubo’s urban void into a thriving, resilient urban space.
