Waterstudio joins Dutch architects delegation Georgia
The Financial, Madona Gasanova, Dec 2012
On 19 December, widely renowned Dutch architectural companies will be presenting the latest trends and tendencies in the contemporary Dutch architectural sector. The exhibition aims to present leading Dutch architectural firms with innovative designs to a Georgian audience and architectural market. Modern technologies, sustainable, intelligent buildings – which respond to nature, the environment, social needs, are innovative in their design and materials, are incorporated in the projects of these Dutch architects.
“According to the global picture, more than half the population is living in cities, cities becoming “places for urban exchanges”. All over the world, it turns out; there is enormous demand for convincing examples of architecture that provide solutions. In many cases these solutions take the form of social projects, intended to bring about immediate improvement in living conditions,” Dr. Lena Kiladze, Curator of Exhibition Days of Dutch, told The FINANCIAL.
“In this case it’s becoming very important to have dialogue, discuss problems and define new language in contemporary architecture,” Kiladze said.
“Today Dutch design and architecture has established a world reputation. Dutch architects and construction have also established a strong international reputation for their innovative, ground-breaking, problem-solving approach. Over the centuries, Holland’s architects and builders have been tried and tested by the country’s struggle against the sea and the challenge of accommodating the population in a small country. Today Dutch architecture is reinventing itself and proving that architecture works – not just in direct function, but also in its programmatic reach, in its cultural effect, and ultimately in its value to society,” said Kiladze.
The following Dutch architectural companies will be participating in the event: Allard Architecture; Casanova + Hermandez Architects; Cie; Concern; Hans Moor Architects; Mecanoo Architects; MVRD; Neutelings; NIO Architects; UArchitects; UNStudio; Waterstudio; Rene van Zuuk Architecture.
Kiladze said that with the collapse of the Soviet Union architectural problems in all former republics became more visible. “Georgian architecture started changing from state-controlled and state-approved architecture, globalization, critical regionalism, post-modern culture and integration with the West, forced a restructuring of Soviet architecture and soviet urban planning.”
She added that there are lots of questions on many problems, for example whether Georgia should move toward globalization or toward critical regionalism and how we can define contemporary Georgian architecture. “In today’s globalized world it is very hard to define the meaning of architecture,” Kiladze said.
“Architecture has always been a reflection of the collective consciousness, a physical encapsulation of evolving lifestyles. Our new perceptions of life arise from this changing society and develop according to which region, culture or city they are from. Our architecture reflects our life and our problems,” Kiladze told The FINANCIAL.