Architects: David Giorgadze Architects
Artists: Maxime Machaidze (LTFR)
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Area: 1820 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: Levan Maisuradze, Givi Maghradze, Nastia Sartania
Revitalizing Mziuri Park: A Hub for Youth Culture
Nestled within the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia, the Skatepark and Parkourground at Mziuri Park stand as a testament to the vibrant subcultures of skating and parkour. Designed by David Giorgadze Architects in collaboration with artist Maxime Machaidze (LTFR), this recreational haven spans 1820 square meters and serves as a thriving epicenter for the youth in the region.
A Glimpse into Mziuri Park’s Unique Legacy
Mziuri Park, originally known as “Mziuri – the city of children,” emerged in the 1980s based on the inspiration drawn by Georgian writer Nodar Dumbadze from his visit to Disneyland. Serving as a passage between neighboring districts, the park has earned the endearing moniker of a “ghetto Disneyland” on post-soviet land. The park hosts a rich history, including a surreal episode in 2013 when a flood unleashed zoo animals into the urban landscape, creating an unexpected urban jungle.
Transformation Through Adversity
The Skatepark and Parkourground project was initiated on the right bank of the river Vere within Mziuri Park. The area underwent a transformation when a highway construction led to the enclosure of the river canal. Subsequent flooding in 2013, while devastating, redefined the interpretational value of the park, establishing a stronger connection with the local youth who actively participated in its restoration.
Riding the Concrete Waves: A Flow of Life
The skating and parkour facilities play a pivotal role in breathing life back into the dry canal. The flow of skaters and tracers through the area is likened to the movement of water, symbolizing freedom and untamed spirit. Since the announcement of the completion of the concrete structures, the park has become a bustling hub, attracting enthusiasts eager to experience the newly crafted spaces.
Urban Tribes Unite: Parkour and Skateboarding
Adjacent to each other, the parkour ground and skatepark create an environment where two distinct tribes, parkour practitioners, and skateboarders, coexist and interact. The parkour ground, designed as a symbolic representation of the city with scaled-down building shapes, metaphorically embodies perpetual movement. Meanwhile, the skating area seamlessly transitions from a street plaza skatepark to a halfpipe under the bridge, culminating in a bowl tail that mirrors the original shape of the canal.
Inclusive Spaces: Observers and Participants Welcome
Beyond serving as spaces for activity, the park provides numerous vantage points for observers. An amphitheater beneath the bridge invites anyone passing by to become an observer, fostering an environment where individuals can witness and possibly become a part of the skate and parkour culture. This inclusive design not only caters to enthusiasts but also welcomes those seeking unexpected joy and a connection to these dynamic subcultures.
In the heart of Tbilisi’s Mziuri Park, the Skatepark and Parkourground Mziuri beckon individuals to embrace the thrill of skating and parkour against the backdrop of a unique urban landscape. It stands not just as a recreational space but as a testament to resilience, community bonding, and the perpetual spirit of youth culture.
