NOAH_Ethnographic District
ARMENIA TODAY
Representation within the Ethnographic District
Through ages, persistent conflicts, natural disasters and populations displacement from Armenia have generated a loss not only of land as shelter, heritage as asset
but also of the built environment , and of collective myths and memory. Responding to this displacement and loss, Armenia’s Ethnographic District is a provocative
architectural exploration of how by creating new spaces that are contemporary but strongly rooted in the past, potentially a reinstatement of cultural practices could
be enabled. In the pursuit of showcasing everyday life, mountains and landscape, cities and their architecture, cultures and traditions, technology and innovation, the
NOAH Ethnographic District will tell the story of Armenia. Four distinct, but integrated areas are proposed within the District representing regions as highlighted here.
Global Armenia Armenia - The Centre Armenia - The North Armenia - The South
decades, Armenians have populated part of the country with with Highlands and Steppes in and Artstakh, is unique in its own way,
Over the past centuries and
travelled far and wide and
left their footprints in various
geographies. The Armenian
diaspora today, forms 70% of the
population of the country, with a
maximum presence in countries
such as Russia, USA, France etc.
Together with the movement of
its people, the loss of territory
is another factor , traces of
Armenian culture are present in
surrounding areas such as Tbilisi,
Kars, Ani, Van etc.
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Central Armenia is the most
Yerevan, the capital city, situated at
the heart of it. This area, owing to
its history also boasts of maximum
number of ancient monuments of
the country, some most famous
ones, such as Zvartnots, Garni
and Geghard. Lake Sevan, another
major tourist destination of
Armenia, is located in this region.
The centre of the country is a
different climatic zone (more arid
and dry) as compared to the North
and South, as evident from the
maps shown previously.
The North of Armenia is distinct
areas such as Shirak, Lori and
Tavush. Characterized by Black
basalt hills and arid landscape to
the West but lush green hills in
the East, the North has its own
character. This contrast is evident
in cities such as Gyumri and
Dilijan. Gyumri is characterized by
courtyards with facades that are
formal on the outside and informal
on the inside. Whereas, traditional
Dilijan facades meet the street in a
very informal manner.
Armenia South, consisting of Syunik
characterized by a lush landscape
of mountains,canyons and gorges.
The built form, mostly composed
of white, peach and grey limestone,
responds to this setting with
terraced, horizontal elevations. The
cities are small in scale and intimate,
in contrast to the monuments that sit
on promontories with a commanding
presence, such as Tatev and Vayots
Dzor. Owing to the landscape several
health resorts exist in cities like
Jermuk etc.
AECOM