A Wider Cultural District
So we suggest you designate a much wider area for a bigger, better
masterplan. A wider Cultural District. It should commence at the two
manufactories of Ararat and Noy, facing each other across Victory Bridge,
where the streetscape can be mightily improved, and the precinct of Saint
SargisVicarial Church on the cliff above the gorge. It should incorporate
ameliorative works to the MesrovMashtots Avenue underpass with its
dilapidated pedestrian walkways. It should incorporate the development
site overlooking the gorge, just off Tairovstreet. It should build walkways
and bridges, and render the area safe for children to wander. There are
fabulous landscape resources here, awaiting rescue.
Let us connect it all up, and make of the whole something greater than the parts. There
is another opportunity. Our site is an arbitrary collection of land-purchases, of difficult
shape. Can we improve on its boundaries? All the vacant and open lands west of the
Tsitsernakaberd Highway, sloping down to the Monte Melkonian Avenue, should be
carefully planned to preserve views.
The land beyond going into open farmland, and the plain with its small abrupt hills,
and its dammed lake, and on to the majesty of Ararat – all this is land which the city
should cherish as public amenity. Tsitsernakaberd Highway is the most magnificent
alignment, with its views, it should be landscaped as a parkway.
7_ DALMA VILLAGE_ A narrative of our study and design work to date