Critics have long argued that the complex of two silver steel and glass tube shapes does not fit the historic view of Tbilisi, while supporters consider it a symbol of the imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili’s effort to rapidly modernize the former Soviet country.
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The planned demolition has sparked accusations that the ruling party “Georgian Dream” seeks to erase architectural symbols associated with its imprisoned political rival.
Earlier this month, municipal officials approved the dismantling of buildings designed by Italian architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, which were erected in the historic Rike district in 2011–2012.
The owner, planning to build a hotel on the site, must complete the demolition work by December 25.
M. Saakashvili condemned the plan, calling the complex a “world architectural and cultural masterpiece,” and accused officials of destroying property built with state funds.
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The complex, which was supposed to house a concert hall and exhibition space, was never opened. Work stopped after M. Saakashvili’s United National Movement lost power to Georgian Dream in 2012, leaving the building’s interior unfinished.
According to Georgian fact-checking organization FactCheck.ge, about 29 million USD (25 million euros) of state funds had already been spent on the project.
M. Fuksas also condemned the decision.
“If public money was spent to build something, why demolish it?” the 82-year-old architect told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, calling the plan madness.
He said his studio contacted Georgian officials in May and offered to discuss alternative uses for the complex, but received no response.
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