Location: Tbilisi
The reconstruction concept for Freedom Square aims to strengthen its role as Tbilisi’s principal public space and transform it into an environment that responds to contemporary urban needs. The project considers the square not only as a transport hub, but also as a multifunctional public space where pedestrians, public transport, cyclists, greenery, and cultural life are given equal importance. The concept is based on the reorganisation of the transport system, the expansion of pedestrian areas, and the prioritisation of public transport. At the same time, particular attention is given to revealing the site’s historical memory, marking the footprint of the 19th-century theatre and caravanserai, integrating archaeological remains into the public space, and creating an underground museum. These elements bring the multilayered history of the square into the contemporary urban experience. The proposed concept demonstrates that it is possible to create a space that simultaneously responds to contemporary mobility needs, preserves historical and cultural heritage, and provides a high-quality public environment. As a result, Freedom Square reclaims its role as one of the city’s main public centres, where everyday life, cultural activities, tourism, and Tbilisi’s historical identity are naturally brought together. Thus, the proposed project represents not only a spatial reconstruction, but also a vision for the development of Tbilisi’s historic centre. It establishes one of the capital’s most important public spaces through a balanced coexistence of the past and the present.
