Yerevan residents have until September 29 to vote on one of two design proposals aimed at modernizing and completing the city’s Cascade Complex, a project initiated in the 1970s but never fully realized, leaving a long-standing eyesore.
The Cascade Complex, with its sweeping staircases and breathtaking panoramic views, has long been one of Yerevan’s most popular tourist attractions. However, the incomplete construction has left a large, abandoned site at the top, disrupting the visual flow between the Cascade and the Memorial to the 50th Anniversary of the October Revolution. This disconnect has frustrated both residents and visitors alike.
The two design proposals seek to bridge this gap, finally connecting the Cascade to the memorial and enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the site.
Earlier this month, Yerevan Municipality launched an online poll, inviting residents to vote on the two designs. One design is by New York architect David Hotson, who worked on the project a couple of decades ago and has recently modified his original concept, while the second design is by France’s Wilmotte & Associés. The aim of both proposals is to bridge the gap between the Cascade and the monument, while also enhancing the site’s overall aesthetic and functionality.
David Hotson Architect
David Hotson’s design centers on integrating the existing elements of stone, water, and greenery into a modern art museum. The plan includes outdoor platforms offering views of Yerevan, Mount Ararat, and surrounding landmarks. The complex would feature restaurants, cultural venues, and open-air halls, all connected by a central staircase and escalator path that ties Armenia’s history to the visitor experience.
Wilmotte & Associés
Wilmotte & Associés propose an abstract structure resembling tectonic plates, creating a new cascade atop the existing one. The design features horizontally positioned terraces that blend with the urban landscape and includes plans for reforestation around the site. The project envisions public passages, cafes, a 1,000-seat concert and music hall, and a contemporary art center with spacious terraces that offer expansive city views, enhancing both the cultural and ecological aspects of the complex.
The designs are presented in detail on the municipality’s online platform, where residents can review the proposals and cast their votes. The deadline for participation in the poll is September 29, 2024.
Residents of Yerevan are encouraged to take part in this important decision, which will shape the future of one of the city’s most cherished landmarks.
