Architectural Cases

MVRDV has commenced construction on the groundbreaking EU TUMO Convergence Center in Yerevan, Armenia. This innovative facility, nestled within Tumanyan Park, is set to become a beacon for technology and creative education. Designed to foster learning, research, and collaboration, the center will offer free programs for both youth and adults, alongside dedicated spaces for technology and design enterprises. Its distinctive architectural form, strategically positioned on a hilly outcrop, not only responds to the natural topography but also establishes stunning visual connections with the Hrazdan River Gorge and the majestic Mount Ararat, symbolizing a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. This project signifies a significant expansion of TUMO's educational footprint, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing talent and innovation within Armenia and beyond.

The EU TUMO Convergence Center in Yerevan, designed by MVRDV, is poised to become a vital hub for education and innovation in Armenia. This five-story structure, now under construction in Tumanyan Park, will extend TUMO's successful model of providing accessible technology and creative education to teenagers and adults. Beyond educational programs, the center will host research facilities and co-working environments, fostering a dynamic ecosystem where students can interact with professionals and engage in collaborative projects. The building's design carefully integrates with its dramatic setting above the Hrazdan River Gorge, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape and distant Mount Ararat. This integration of educational purpose, natural beauty, and strategic urban connection underlines the center's role as a future landmark for Yerevan.

Architectural Vision and Site Integration

The architectural scheme of the EU TUMO Convergence Center showcases a keen sensitivity to its natural surroundings and a forward-thinking design approach. The facility expands upon the existing TUMO campus, creating a comprehensive environment that supports technological and creative learning for individuals of all ages. Its prominent location above the Hrazdan River Gorge allows for expansive views, connecting occupants with Armenia's stunning natural heritage. This careful site planning emphasizes the center's role not merely as a building, but as an integral part of its landscape and community, fostering an inspiring atmosphere for innovation and intellectual growth. The design also facilitates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, further enhancing the user experience and encouraging a connection with nature.

MVRDV's design for the Convergence Center is a sophisticated response to the unique topographical challenges and opportunities of the site. A striking 120-meter-long monolithic structure, poised on a recessed base, dramatically cantilevers over the steep slopes at either end. This bold gesture not only creates architectural interest but also strategically frames panoramic views: to the north, the winding Hrazdan River, and to the south, the iconic peak of Mount Ararat. The elevated podium enhances the building's visibility while extending Tumanyan Park, seamlessly integrating green spaces with the architectural form. Terraces and outdoor pathways further weave the rocky terrain into the site, blurring the lines between built environment and natural landscape. The translucent polycarbonate facade is a key design element, allowing diffused natural light to permeate the interiors during the day and transforming the building into a softly glowing beacon at night, subtly asserting its presence without dominating the serene natural context.

Internal Layout and Sustainable Features

The interior of the EU TUMO Convergence Center is meticulously organized to promote interaction, collaboration, and a flexible learning environment. Defined by two central cores and three expansive atriums, the layout ensures excellent visual connectivity and ample natural light throughout the building. This design philosophy bridges formal educational settings with practical industry engagement, providing spaces that adapt to diverse needs, from focused study to large-scale events. The incorporation of sustainable elements further underscores the project's commitment to environmental responsibility, using innovative construction techniques and energy-efficient systems to minimize its ecological footprint while maximizing comfort and functionality for its users.

The internal organization of the EU TUMO Convergence Center is masterfully crafted to facilitate dynamic interaction and varied programmatic functions. Three distinct atriums—the Grotto, Valley, and Canyon—serve as vital nodes for circulation and social engagement. The Grotto, centrally located, acts as the primary entrance, featuring a welcoming café and lounge area. The Valley provides a versatile event hall, capable of hosting a wide array of gatherings, while the Canyon dynamically connects multiple floors, fostering an open and collaborative atmosphere for co-working spaces. This thoughtful arrangement skillfully balances communal areas, which encourage spontaneous encounters and knowledge exchange, with dedicated zones for focused individual or group work. The building's structural innovation includes the use of a bubble-deck system for floor slabs, significantly reducing concrete consumption and overall structural weight. Furthermore, the atriums function as thermal buffers, complemented by zoned heating and cooling, low-temperature floor heating, and anti-stratification fans, all contributing to substantial operational energy savings. The inherent flexibility of the floor plans ensures that the building can adapt to evolving needs, securing its long-term relevance and sustainability.

The SAR Residence in Saraiķi, Latvia, exemplifies a remarkable architectural endeavor that breathes new life into historical remnants. This project by OAD - Open Architecture Design, completed in 2024, ingeniously repurposes former Soviet-era military bunkers into a contemporary and sustainable living space. Spanning 780 square meters, the residence comprises a main dwelling and two guest houses, designed to accommodate a multi-generational family. The core ethos of the design revolves around harmoniously integrating the structures with the fragile Baltic coastal dune environment, thereby championing an alternative, eco-conscious approach to architecture.

The transformation of these timeworn, grass-covered military bunkers into a vibrant residential complex is a testament to sustainable architectural practices. The project's location along the Baltic coast underscores a commitment to safeguarding one of the world's most vulnerable marine regions. By adapting existing structures rather than initiating new constructions, the architects minimized environmental impact while honoring the site's unique historical context.

Each of the three structures—the primary home and two auxiliary guest houses—was thoughtfully conceived to provide comfortable and functional living spaces. The design respects the original footprints of the bunkers, utilizing their robust forms as a foundation for modern extensions and interiors. This adaptive reuse strategy not only reduces material consumption but also creates a distinctive aesthetic that blends military history with contemporary design principles.

The architects focused on creating a seamless connection between the indoor living areas and the surrounding natural landscape. Large windows and strategically placed openings allow abundant natural light to penetrate the interiors, offering expansive views of the coastal dunes. The material palette, likely incorporating natural elements, further enhances this connection, fostering a sense of tranquility and integration with nature.

Moreover, the multi-generational aspect of the residence speaks to a broader understanding of sustainability, extending beyond environmental concerns to encompass social and familial longevity. By providing distinct yet interconnected living units, the SAR Residence facilitates communal living while ensuring individual privacy, adapting to the evolving needs of a diverse family.

The SAR Residence stands as a model for thoughtful architectural intervention, demonstrating how a site's past can inform a sustainable future. Through the innovative conversion of military infrastructure, OAD has created a distinctive and environmentally responsible dwelling that respects both history and nature. This project not only offers a unique living experience but also highlights the potential for architectural design to contribute positively to ecological preservation and community building along sensitive coastlines.