HURO’s conceptual sketch named a finalist by the international jury of TerraViva Competitions

Georgian Style Hustle Market – The Eliava Bazaar, originally established in the 1970s, was designed with a clear organizational vision—well-planned and strategically laid out to accommodate a specific urban function. However, following Georgia’s restoration of independence, the market’s development became more chaotic. Over time, the bazaar’s function expanded far beyond building materials to include furniture, car parts, and a variety of other goods. This evolution, while necessary for the community, led to a significant architectural transformation, nearly erasing the original design. What was once an integrated part of the urban fabric of Tbilisi is now hard to decipher, though the surrounding environment has also changed dramatically.

Tbilisi itself has transformed, with modern structures emerging alongside older, unattractive buildings, such as barracks and extended apartment blocks. This expansion has been driven by the hope that, in the future, these older buildings will be replaced with more cohesive, well-designed structures. Even if the chaotic developments of the 1990s were removed from the Eliava Bazaar, the result would still not fully align with the original vision of the architect. As a result, we set out to redesign the complex—not just to restore its original form, but to adapt and modernize it in a way that harmonizes with its environment.

Our redesign Eliava Beezaar aims to blend the architectural history of the 1970s, 1990s, and today, creating a fusion that honors each era’s contributions. The architecture of the 1970s has largely been overshadowed by the chaotic developments of the 1990s, which are now an indelible part of the market’s history. We believe the new concept should reflect the principles of 21st-century architecture, while respecting the past by preserving traces of each era.

Tbilisi has long lacked cohesive architectural concepts, especially in recent years. The role of concepts in architecture has been evolving and will continue to influence the city’s future. For this project, we believe that the concept itself is more important than the design, and as such, we focused on several key issues to shape the core concept.

While architecturally chaotic, the bazaar became an essential space for people with little choice but to work. The hustle and bustle of Eliava Bazaar, driven by necessity, reminded us of the behavior of bees. This inspiration led us to design the complex in the shape of a honeycomb. Each hexagonal section is functionally loaded, with paths arranged along the perimeter, reinforcing the idea of interconnectedness and community.

The architecture of the 1970s has been largely lost, but we’ve preserved the original parking structure as a tribute to that era. In the 1990s, the market’s architecture evolved with labyrinthine spaces. These internal street networks serve as the backbone of our complex’s design, creating a dynamic layout that remains intuitive for visitors.

The central district of the complex is designed to cater to both day and night activities, offering spaces for shopping, socializing, and relaxation. The main square, surrounded by buildings in an amphitheater-like arrangement, features cafes, a library, conference rooms, and sports halls. A golden ratio-inspired staircase connects the public space to the park below.

Green spaces are integral to the complex. The park, located in the southwestern part of the site, blends seamlessly with the Mtkvari River. It spans two levels, with pedestrian paths, trees, and greenery offering a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban hustle.