Surrounded by the green profuse natural creation, situated in the city of T’bilisi, along the river bank of Mtkvari, is a multifunctional ambient restaurant complex named Tsiskvili with an area of about 4825sq.m. The restaurant Tsiskvili was named after its Georgian meaning ‘Watermill’, as a former watermill stood on the land in the 90s, where the restaurant is presently established. It is a fine blend of nature’s splendor and the beauty of the Georgian soul. The exclusive design of the restaurant is an attempt to publicize the age-old history of the place and revitalize the ancient and traditional Georgian culture, crafting various facilities like the restaurant, museum, waterfall, and many more.
Design
The establishment covers a significant area of land along the river. The concept behind this beautiful design of the restaurant came from a simple yet brainy idea. The project’s goal was to transform this appealing location into an ambient multifunctional complex like an ethno museum-restaurant that is peaceful, entertaining, and caters to the general public. There is an impressive use of the scenic coastal landscape with the idea of allowing people to experience the verdant countryside. Harnessing affluent native waterfalls, to curate the environment of the place, and the addition of the symbolic water mill added to the character of the restaurant. Numerous facilities like the Beer Square, Beer Hall, Wine Yard, Wine Hall, Ethno Hall, Mill on Water, Artist’s Workshop-Restaurant, Barbecue House, and Bread House have been provided with a touch of Georgian culture. A design is responsible for the impact and mark it leaves on mother nature accounting for its repercussions on the human species. A step towards sustainability and sensitivity towards nature is that there is negligible human intervention in the water bodies and landscape of the setting, making it a priority element.
The architect’s locus thought was to design and create a small settlement-like premise with the presence of picturesque natural flora and a waterfall, encompassing the numerous facilities crafted in the complex, maintaining the essence of nature and giving a sense of serenity. The exposed stone walls and stone arches with creepers climbing on it gives it ancient aesthetics. Beautiful yet the simple design of the landscape with large boulders, varied species of trees and vegetation, water bodies is pleasing to the eyes and mind. The architectural solution and approach were to give an experience and allow people to perceive it as a unified and whole space.
Construction/Materials
Construction of the restaurant on the river’s bank seemed to be a major issue and required some special and complex architectural and engineering solutions. The elaborate bank and land reliefs made the construction process even more tedious and elaborate. The issue of rising water levels, commonly appearing at the site, was well taken care of by constructing additional protection elements on the banks of the river Mtkvari.
An amazing amalgamation of conventional and modern materials was used in the project. Old and traditional materials and architectural features were adopted from the older structures in disrepair in Georgia. Exposed stone and brick walls and installed wooden staircase were the key features of ancient architecture and are conspicuous in the entire campus. The structure was built using large stones obtained from the river bank. During the construction process of the restaurant, materials like brick, stone, wood, and tile were used, retaining the color, texture, and antique appearance, to give the place a traditional Georgian architectural image. Structural elements like beams, roofs, and ceilings were built using similar materials. Also, old and traditional materials like glass, metal, and pavings were used. The modern materials like metal trusses, huge windows, and convertible roofing can also be seen. A metal bridge is also added to connect the spaces allowing people to stroll through nature as well.
Sustainability
The Tsiskvili restaurant is built in the natural precinct on the relief along the river bank. There is negligible human intervention in the water bodies and the landscape of the setting gives a sense of serenity justifying the purpose and approach of the design. Stones from along the riverbank and keeping it local, and natural materials were used in building the entire premise making it a sustainable design. The breezy winds, natural water facilities like the waterfall, and watermill, and the plush verdure helps in cooling the space making it comfortable and habitable in summers.
The heritage and historic momentousness of the place from the ruins are preserved and protected by the crucial synthesis of traditional and modern culture and architecture. A reflection is thought to exist between the exterior character of the restaurant and as well as the interiors. This museum-restaurant has become the most fascinating and desirable place in the city attracting a huge footfall of tourists and adding to the city’s character. The place’s design and aura keep the absent Georgian spirit by reviving it through architecture.
Refernces List:
ArchDaily. (2021). Tsiskvili Restaurant Complex / Studio 9. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/956767/tsiskvili-restaurant-complex-studio-9.
Anon, (2021). Restaurant Complex ‘Tsiskvili’ – Studio 9. [online] Available at: https://studio9.ge/en/projects/restaurant-complex-tsiskvili/ [Accessed 26 Jul. 2023].
https://architizer.com/firms/studio-9-architecture-and-design (2023). Restaurant Complex ‘Tsiskvili’ by Studio 9 – Architecture and Design. [online] Architizer. Available at: https://architizer.com/projects/restaurant-complex-tsiskvili/.
