Depopulation
Heavy Metal Pollution
Depopulation has become an urgent issue concerning non-urban and rural regions in Armenia. Previously vibrant cities in the periphery are suffering from a rapid decrease in population, as large numbers of residents migrate and settle in the capital of Yerevan in search of greater opportunities. While this trajectory correlates with a global urbanization trend, factors such as poor living conditions, lack of occupation, environmental hazards, and lack of regional culture are major contributing factors in this context.
Heavy metal mining has had countless adverse effects on not only Alaverdi but its surrounding region and population. High degrees of pollution have raised concerns regarding not only environmental but also health impacts, in a region primarily dependent on local farming for livelihood. This project envisions an architectural intervention which puts pressure on these industries to consider the impact of their emissions while bringing global attention to these environmental violations.
Industry Closure
Historical Preservation
Armenia is currently undergoing a critical transformation in its industrial sectors, replacing heavy industry with more sustainable artisanal and technology oriented industries. We see an opportunity to re-skill workers, in order to take advantage of their specialized expertise and adapt to safer, more environmentally conscious, and more financially rewarding trades, such as artisanal production.
Currently, a culture of historical preservation does not formally exist in Armenia. In the spirit of projects such as Wings of Tatev, we se an opportunity to create infrastructure for active maintenance and support of these historical sites through funds generated through formalizing and monatizing the existing tourism market.
