Anna Bochorishvili’s Post

Heritage vs. Modernisation: Can We Have Both? 🏛️✨ The tension between preserving heritage and driving modernisation is a constant challenge in our fast-evolving urban landscapes. How do we safeguard the character of historic buildings while adapting them for contemporary use? 🤔 Preserving heritage isn’t just about maintaining a façade—it’s about keeping the stories, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of these buildings alive. But at the same time, cities need to grow and evolve. Often, the demands for sustainability, modern infrastructure, and new functionalities push us to reimagine these spaces. The question is: Can conservation and progress coexist? Some innovative projects have shown it’s possible to retain the soul of a building while integrating cutting-edge technology and design. But the balance isn’t always easy, and in some cases, the push for modernisation can come at the expense of heritage. What’s your view? Should we always preserve, or is there a middle ground where history and progress meet harmoniously? #Heritage #Modernisation #Architecture #Conservation #BuiltEnvironment #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability #CulturalPreservation #HistoricBuildings

What a wonderful way to start the year!! I'm excited to share that my latest book chapter, " Importing the Desert into the Urban: Architectural Narratives from the Middle East, has been published in Roggema, R. (eds). 2025. Dry Urbanism, Designing for Drought in the City. Synopsis Multiple perceptions about the desert suggest that it is an empty space. Hence, no real valuable contribution can be extracted from calling for a deeper understanding of the desert. This chapter argues for an alternative #perception where the #desert is seen as not only an appropriate context for urbanism but also a source of inspiration for architects and city designer working in the Middle East. This chapter aims at initiating a discussion concerning desert development including developers and environmentalists to planners, #community leaders, and those who dwell in desert regions. This chapter contests the significance of the desert in the contemporary architectural and urban environment in the context of Middle East and Gulf. The contestation is shedding light on the different approaches to the #exploitation of the desert in creating a spectacle within the fabric of the unprecedently urbanized city. The chapter investigates different desert #ecologies and the various ways in which they are used, misused, and navigated by the different actors. Using the trilogy of the desert, museum and contemporary #Gulf #cities, this chapter argues that with the current pace of development and urbanization, a new perception of the desert as a developmental context is needed. It concludes with a conceptual approach to articulate the role of the desert as a host for #architecture and #urbanism and as an inspirational matrix for urbanizing contemporary Middle Eastern cities. Cite this chapter Alraouf, A.A. (2025). Importing the Desert into the Urban: Architectural Narratives from the Middle East. In: Roggema, R. (eds) Dry Urbanism. Contemporary Urban Design Thinking. Springer, Cham. Pp 19–40. https://lnkd.in/dEsbmUan #creativity #SustainablePlanning #architecture #middleEast #desert #QatarUrbanism #gulfcities #designprocess  #ClimateChange #resilience  #UrbanDesign

#Europan #E17 Special Mention in Makarska (HR) -- Rooms of Conviviality -- by AS: Izabela Slodka (PL) – architect, Olivia Leoni (IT), Tommaso Mazzega (IT), Andrea Paoletti (IT), Riccardo Roldi (IT), Nicola Russo (IT), Francesca Sordi (IT) – students in architecture "Contemporary cities often have internal spaces excluded from urban and architectural planning. The city of Makarska presents urban voids which have become, in line with the theme of "Living Cities", an opportunity to take care of the city by reinterpreting them and returning them to the community. The guideline of the project, starting from respect for the urban fabric, is the concept of 360° sustainability, understood as social, environmental and economic." #europan17 #livingcities2 #architecturecompetition #urbanplanning #urbanism #landscape #competition #architecturaldrawings #archilovers #axonometrics #makarska #hrvatska

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the "Preservation? Modernist Heritage and Modern Toronto" Symposium hosted by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. The discussions underscored the challenges of conserving Modernist architectural heritage, with examples like Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto. One striking example shared was the Indian Pavilion at Pragati Maidan, designed by Ar.Raj Rewal, which could not survive despite its significance. This loss reminds us that modern architectural landmarks are more than structures—they embody public memories, cultural identities, and shared spaces. As an urban designer, I believe such dialogues are essential. Many mid-20th-century buildings, deeply connected to communities, are under threat globally. Preserving them ensures we protect not only architectural history but also the human stories and values they represent. #people #publicspaces #modernarchitecture #publicmemories #modernheritage #urbandesign #toronto #Ontarioplace

🌆 The Magic of Historic Preservation in Modern Architecture and Planning 🌍 In our ever-evolving urban landscapes, there’s something profoundly special about weaving the old with the new. As an architect who’s been fortunate to work on both cutting-edge designs and cherished historical landmarks, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the magic that historic preservation brings to modern architecture and planning. 🏛️✨ Historic preservation is much more than keeping old buildings standing. It’s about storytelling, legacy, and the human spirit. These structures whisper the tales of our past, offering a rich tapestry of culture and history that grounds us. When we blend these timeless elements with contemporary design, we create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. Here are a few reasons why I believe historic preservation is indispensable in modern architecture: 1. Cultural Continuity: Preserving historical buildings maintains a sense of identity and continuity within a community, fostering pride and connection among residents. 2. Sustainability: Reusing and repurposing existing structures can significantly reduce the environmental impact of new construction, aligning with sustainable development goals. 3. Economic Boost: Heritage tourism can drive economic growth, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. 4. Educational Value: These sites serve as living museums, offering educational opportunities about architectural history and design evolution. In our journey to shape the cities of tomorrow, let’s remember to honor the whispers of yesterday. By embracing historic preservation, we can create urban environments that celebrate our shared heritage while paving the way for a vibrant future. 🏙️🌿 Join me in this mission to blend history with innovation and make our cities timeless. Follow for more insights on sustainable architecture and urban planning. #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability #CulturalHeritage #InnovationInDesign

To me, heritage isn’t just about preserving the past, it’s about weaving it into the future. As a conservation architect, I see heritage as living stories that connect us to our roots while inspiring innovative ways to shape modern life. Traditional knowledge systems hold a wealth of wisdom that is still relevant today. Whether it’s the climate-responsive designs of vernacular architecture, sustainable water management through ancient stepwells, or the use of locally available materials, our ancestors understood how to coexist with nature in ways that modern practices often overlook. For instance, courtyard homes from traditional Indian architecture didn’t just provide thermal comfort,they also fostered a sense of community. Imagine reinterpreting that concept in our modern apartments or city layouts, blending tradition with today’s needs for sustainability and connection. But heritage isn’t just about architecture it’s about identity. Cities and spaces that honor their heritage don’t just look beautiful; they feel alive. They give us a sense of belonging, a connection to something bigger. For me, learning from the past isn’t about stepping backward; it’s about moving forward with intention and respect. At AIHIKAM we try to integrate traditional knowledge into modern design that results in something extraordinary -a harmony between what was and what can be. This Heritage Week, let’s discuss how can we adopt heritage-inspired practices in our homes or cities? Share one traditional technique or material that you think deserves more attention in modern design. Let’s celebrate, protect, and adapt the wisdom of our ancestors for generations to come.  #HeritageWeek #Conservation #SustainableDesign #HeritageMatters #ArchitectureForFuture

The Elegant Brutality of the City Atrium. As the world’s population continues to rise, the solution lies in building upwards. Our concept represents the potential of vertical urbanism, where cities evolve vertically to accommodate growing populations without compromising on openness, green spaces, and community needs. Neo-brutalism finds its elegance in the unadorned and the raw. The city atrium becomes a focal point of this architectural expression, where the stark beauty of exposed concrete is complemented by life, creating a magical and welcoming space. #verticalurbanism #neobrutalism #futurecities #urbanretreat #sustainablearchitecture #smartbuilding #urbaninnovation #greenurbanism #highrisefuture #ecoarchitecture #urbanrefuge #brutalistdesign #architecturalharmony #citysanctuary #futurevisions #ianfulgar #futurism #atrium

As I work on the final touches of our research at Jan Braker Architekt on Domplatz in Hamburg, preparing to present the findings at the esteemed IASTE conference this year in May, several critical questions popped up: -What is the historical significance of Domplatz, and how has its role evolved over time? -Why has this site remained an open green space in the midst of towering buildings? -How do people engage with the square today, and does it effectively serve the needs of different users? -Has Domplatz been realized in the right way over the years, or has its potential been underutilized? -Is the current landscape design sufficient for various public activities and interactions? -What are the current city policies to re-envision the square? -How does the square balance historical memory with the contemporary urban vibes of Hamburg? -What design interventions could enhance its role as a dynamic, inclusive, and meaningful public space? Being invited to present the research findings at IASTE conference is a valuable opportunity to explore these questions in depth, contributing to the global discourse on urban space, heritage, and design, and pursuing valuable discussions with colleagues and experts to enhance the findings even more. These investigations also shape our design proposal at Jan Braker Architekt. As a multidisciplinary office, we seek to redefine Domplatz in a way that respects its incredible history while making it more functional, accessible, and vibrant for the city of Hamburg. Title of the paper: “Transforming Hamburg’s Historic Heart into a Cosmopolitan Urban Oasis: The Case of Domplatz” Photo: Wikipedia commons #research #researchfindings #architecture #urbanplanning #publicspaces #inclusivepublicspaces #spaceforall #conference

Who said urbanism was ugly and boring? Rem Koolhaas: Redefining Modern Urbanism Rem Koolhaas, Dutch architect and co-founder of OMA, is celebrated for his bold architectural vision and deep insights into urban theory. His work extends beyond conventional design, reshaping how we understand and interact with urban spaces. Known for projects like the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing and the Seattle Central Library, Koolhaas’s designs are as much about form as they are about exploring societal and spatial dynamics. His influential writings, particularly Delirious New York, critique and analyze the complexities of global cities, making him a visionary architect who bridges architecture with urbanism.

Help NIMBYs and YIMBYs meet halfway 2/2 : Lovable architecture This one is tricky because it's generally thought that what is lovable is purely a matter of personal taste... But beyond the personal, architecture has a civic duty to be at least "socially acceptable" because the public can hardly avoid seeing (and sometimes also using) buildings, even more so in crowded cities. This is contrary to most other forms of art, which can be kept away from public view or consumption. NIMBY rejection of new buildings is partly because so many are not "easy" to look at or to approach. At the risk of being controversial, I submit the recent Paris Philharmonie (left pic) as an example. And the Philharmonie is supposed to be a temple of culture for crowds of visitors. Compare with the former National Print (right pic), also in Paris, which was designed for an industrial activity and to keep most people out. Residential or office buildings are much more common and also face a similar determination. It's hard to rigorously explain why a building can feel difficult to love. Going back to my previous post, large buildings (like the Philharmonie and the Print) are surely more difficult to love. The talented Samuel Hughes has taken what I feel is a brilliant stab at defining "easy" architecture in this post : https://lnkd.in/eD5aPM2w. #NIMBY #YIMBY #scale #urbanism #architecture #LovableArchitecture #EasyArchitecture (follow-up to https://lnkd.in/eafgvxce)