“Garikula – Centre for the Arts”
9th Architectural Biennale “Metamorph”, Venice, 2004

The idea of transformation is the core principle of architectural project developed in Garikula by Dima Mamatsashvili and Irakli Vacheishvili in 2004. History's meeting with modern life, Georgian traditions embracing those of East and West; architectural forms are based on traditional philosophies of Georgian architecture and modern construction techniques. The of architectural form and landscape underlines buildings’ capacity to transform for extra functionality.

Soft elongated lines of terraces descend towards river, to a pond and a tea-house; from here the roof and the façade of the hotel can be seen repeating the mountain line in the back. Studios, hotel, as well as the water reservoir, the theatre and the office are arranged on two terraces camouflaged in wavy forms of and trees. Studios and the hotel have a beautiful view towards the river, their glass walls reflecting mountains and sky.

The studio façade can be moved up letting in more air and out the works. The mobile inner walls are conceived so as to be easily shifted during exhibitions and other events.

Two dominant lines: one of studios and other of the hotel, have different kind of cover to the walking-line in front of them, the first creates a rithm of light with parallel bars; and the other of suspended plate-glass. The studio line is continued by an amphitheatre to its right side. The latter will be transformed to accommodate people in all weather conditions and make most use of the scenery.

Tedzami river will supply fresh water to the pond and will generate renewable electricity for basic needs.

The overall shape of this infrastructure is influenced by a carving on church wall of Phavnisi – a dragon holding a disc in its teeth.

The project “Garikula – Center for the Arts” was exhibited in Venice during the Architectural Biennale “Metamorph,” in 2004.