From the City of Pearls – Hyderabad in India, the GEN Z Series travels to the Capital city Barcelona in Spain to meet a young and creative Georgian architect Ana Giorgadze. Having graduated with a B. Arch degree from UIC – Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Barcelona in 2023, she was working as a Junior Architect at Studio Pujol Sadovski, Barcelona.
Having been born and brought up in the beautiful Capital city of Tbilisi in Georgia, Ana Giougadze reveals, “Growing up in Georgia during the 2000s, marked by the aftermath of political instability and conflicts – such as Russia’s aggression in 1992 and 2008, my family, alongside the entire Georgian population, faced significant difficulties. Unfortunately, Russia’s aggression continues to impact Georgia even today. Despite these challenges, my parents’ resilience and adaptability were remarkable, with my father frequently changing professions to support us.”
Hybrid Infrastructure
Ana Giorgadze’s father works as a Civil Engineer. Her super talented mother works as a Philologist specializing in the history of languages, particularly through the analysis of written records and literary texts. She enthuses, “My parents have two different vocations, yet they have always encouraged and nurtured my passion for design and creativity since I can remember (smiles). The rich cultural heritage of Georgia has profoundly influenced my journey into the world of architecture.”
Ana Giorgadze comes across as a very warm person, who loves being challenged in a creative manner. Her creativity and meticulous nature reflect in her thesis. Johnny D interacts with Ana Giorgadze to explore her quest in the world of architecture and understanding her thesis ‘Transformation of City Agrari, Barcelona’.
Plan – Ground Floor
What was your childhood ambition? Did you always wanted to become an architect?
Since childhood, I have been deeply connected to arts and crafts. My first interest was painting. Later on, I was introduced to sculpting and jewelry making. As a child, I enjoyed creatively reusing toy packaging foam boxes into different spaces. At that time, I was not sure which profession this creative activity aligned with (smiles). As I grew up, I realized my passion for art and creativity could be channeled into a career in architecture. This understanding solidified my ambition to become an architect, where I could blend my artistic background with my love for crafting spaces.
Co-working Office Plan
How has architecture influenced your life as a student?
My student life was challenging, as I moved from Georgia to Barcelona to complete my architecture degree. This experience profoundly influenced my perspective on living spaces. Studying architecture has taught me to appreciate the importance of spatial distribution, color, texture, scale and distance. Now, I understand how these elements can significantly affect and enhance our daily lives. This newfound awareness has enriched my approach to both my personal and professional life, allowing me to see the world through the lens of an architect.
Site Plan
Briefly tell us about your University and the Course.
I graduated in 2023 from the UIC – Universitat Internacional de Catalunya in Barcelona. I completed a five-year double degree program in Architecture and Urbanism. One of the most enriching aspects of my University experience was being part of an international student community. This diverse environment allowed me to meet people from various cultures, religions and nationalities, thereby providing me with a broad and varied perspective that has greatly enhanced my personal and professional growth.
East Façade
Briefly describe the significance of your project with the ‘Title of the Project and Site Location’.
City Agrari transforms a former parking lot near Sant Feliu’s industrial area and urban periphery into a vibrant hybrid infrastructure. Located at the entrance to Barcelona, adjacent to the significant Parc Agrari del Baix Llobregat, the project integrates with its surroundings and is influenced by its proximity to the B23 Highway.
This innovative structure serves as a pivotal link between industrial operations and urban living, accommodating residential and office spaces while enhancing existing infrastructure and anticipating future needs. The design features segmented volumes at varying heights, descending gracefully from the B23 and rising at the tower, which marks the city’s entrance.
General Section Detail
The ground level facilitates efficient logistics and ample parking with a circular traffic flow system, optimizing operational efficiency for vehicles and machinery. Versatile industrial workspaces extend across the landscape, offering adaptable layouts within courtyards of service areas.
The tower, a vertical landmark integrated into the plinth, houses customizable residential and office programs. It enhances functionality with communal spaces and a distinctive aesthetic that connects seamlessly to the urban fabric.
The concept behind City Agrari was to construct the entire building using dry construction methods. The plinth is designed with eco-friendly CLT – cross-laminated timber wood structures, providing sustainability and warmth. In contrast, due to its scale and structural requirements, the tower is designed as a suspended prefabricated steel structure, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in construction.
South Façade
As an Intern, what is the most important lesson(s) you have learned from senior architects, while being a part of a project?
As an intern, working alongside senior architects has been incredibly enlightening. I have learned the importance of meticulous planning, attention to detail and teamwork in every project. Senior architects emphasize thorough research and analysis in the initial stages to lay a solid foundation. Effective teamwork leverages diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.
Façade Diagrams
What role do you perform as a Junior Architect at Studio Pujol Sadovski, Barcelona?
As a Junior Architect at SPS, I gained valuable experience in sports architecture and participated in the development of industrial buildings. My role includes involvement in the design process and responsibility for the necessary graphic documentation. While my time at SPS has been enriching, I will be transitioning to freelance work to pursue new projects and commissions.
As a freelancer, I offer a wide range of services worldwide, including rendering, 3D modeling, interior design, refurbishment and furniture design. I am open to new opportunities and invite anyone interested in collaborating to contact me.
West Façade
Which National or International architect has inspired / influenced you? Please specify as to why?
My fascination with architecture began with ancient caves and their paintings, highlighting the fundamental human need for shelter. This primal essence of architecture inspired me early on. One of my favorite architectural pieces is the Ishtar Gate from Babylon, with its vibrant colors, mosaics and grand scale, which are awe-inspiring given the era and construction challenges.
I also draw inspiration from the traditional architecture of my homeland, Georgia, particularly in Svaneti and Khevsureti. These regions are known for their enchanting mountain architecture, crafted from natural stone. The structures blend seamlessly with the rocky landscapes, featuring fortified towers that symbolize the local people’s resilience against historical threats.
Transversal Section
Against the ethos of architecture field, ‘Hostile Architecture’ is an eyesore and fast changing the urban landscape of prominent cities around the world. Elucidate your perspective about this unwanted trend in urban landscape.
As architects and urban planners, we must balance safety with humane inclusive design. Instead of exclusionary measures, we should create versatile spaces that cater to diverse needs, while ensuring cleanliness and security. This includes adding benches, shelters and public amenities that welcome everyone. Additionally, addressing social issues like affordable housing, mental health support and employment opportunities are crucial.
Locked Entrances Preventing People Sleep in Barcelona
While hostile architecture can maintain public order, it often undermines the true purpose of design by prioritizing ‘exclusion over inclusion’. The architectural community must strive for empathy, inclusivity and social responsibility to build cities that benefit all inhabitants.
Which significant aspects of the global platform ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ did you liked the most, and why?
One of the significant aspects I appreciate about ‘zerobeyond – the new frontier!’ is to promote young architects and provide them with career development opportunities. By showcasing emerging talent and innovative ideas, the global platform plays a crucial role in advancing the architectural profession and encouraging the next generation of architects to push the boundaries of design and creativity.
North Façade
Local charm of cities has diminished due to Modern Architecture as every city looks alike and similar. How should architects / urban planners / landscape architects modernize cities, while maintaining the local charm intact?
Cities are unique, shaped by their population and history. However, modern architecture can make them look similar, diminishing their charm. Economic priorities often overshadow community needs and design principles that promote positive human behavior. While regulations exist, architects and developers must recognize that building high-rise structures can harm coastal areas and long-term sustainability.
Axonometry View of the Structure
To modernize cities while preserving charm, architects should prioritize contextual design that respects cultural heritage. Sustainable practices like green spaces, walkability and energy-efficient technologies are crucial for healthier urban environments.
The time to save Planet Earth from climatic catastrophes / human greed crisis has already slipped away from humans’ hands. Elucidate your views how the future of your generation is going to rise above the past generations to tackle this existential crisis?
The challenge of climate change and human greed has brought us to a critical moment, but my generation has unique opportunities to make a difference. We are equipped with technologies and ideas that past generations did not have. Innovations like Artificial Intelligence and renewable energy are advancing rapidly. Global connectivity through social media and digital platforms allows us to organize climate movements, share ideas instantly and advocate for policy changes worldwide.
Façade Axonometric
Today, there is a growing awareness of sustainability. Businesses are adopting practices to reduce waste and pollution, and more people are choosing eco-friendly products and lifestyles. In urban planning, we envision self-sufficient buildings that reduce environmental impact. The answer may be to build less and up-cycle more. It is vital to reuse and renovate existing buildings by giving them new life and purpose.
Plinth Structure
Looking at the past in the current present, what are the futuristic landscape and architectural changes you would like to see in your home city / town? Elucidate the reasons for your vision.
Currently, I live in Barcelona. Although the city boasts open spaces and plazas, I believe it lacks large natural parks in the city centre where people can truly disconnect. While the city’s vibrant and bustling nature is part of what makes Barcelona unique, introducing more extensive green parks could significantly enhance the psychological well-being of its residents.
Detailing Type I
These green spaces would offer a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, providing a much-needed respite and promoting mental health and relaxation. As well as this, reduce car traffic to a minimum and encourage the use of mechanical or electric bicycles throughout the city could be very useful. This shift would not only improve air quality, but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.
Detailing Type II
Image Courtesy: Ana Giorgadze