Gyumri Market & Culinary School
Market, Education
Competition
2024
Gyumri, Armenia
In Collaboration with Studio Ambit
THE VAULTS
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The Gyumri Market and Culinary School presents an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant public hub—primarily for the Armenian people and the community of Gyumri, and secondarily as a draw for global audiences. With parallels to renowned markets like the Time-Out Market in Lisbon, Borough Market in London, and Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, this project aspires to meet and exceed the benchmarks set by such iconic spaces. Beyond providing a market and school, the proposal ventures into the realm of "place-making," crafting an environment where Gyumri can explore and redefine its identity through food and the activation of the public realm.
Armenia’s rich history, dating back to the 6th century BC, forms the foundation of this vision. As the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, the country is home to an array of historically significant religious structures that reflect its diverse past under Christian, Islamic, and even Mongolian rule. A unifying feature of these buildings is their construction from Tuff Stone, a volcanic rock available in an array of colours. The pink variations of Tuff Stone, used extensively in cities like Yerevan—the "Pink City"—have become a hallmark of Armenian identity.
This proposal draws on these cultural and historical elements, aiming to transform the site into a world-class market, culinary school, and public space. By understanding the site not just within its immediate boundary but in the broader context of Gyumri, the design connects significant cultural landmarks in what we describe as a "cultural loop." The market becomes a pivotal point in this loop, linking All Saviours' Square to Victory Park through a newly designated public path.
The market building itself is designed as a homage to Armenia’s rich architectural heritage. Drawing inspiration from cathedrals and monasteries, it incorporates elements such as arches and continuous vaults, reflecting the aesthetics of these religious structures while avoiding direct religious connotations. The open-air design maximizes flexibility, complemented by enclosed spaces like the culinary school, where privacy is essential.
Future phases of the project envision integrating surrounding uninhabited buildings into the program. For instance, the adjacent L-shaped structure to the east could house additional classrooms or kitchens, and the Traditional Armenian Sweets Market to the south could be redeveloped and incorporated into the site.
This holistic approach ensures that the Gyumri Market and Culinary School not only honours Armenia’s history but also paves the way for a vibrant future, fostering local identity while attracting global recognition.
PUBLIC ART STREET
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The Public Art Street pays homage to the organic, ad hoc character of the existing market, using this as inspiration to forge a connection between All Saviours' Square to the west and Victory Park to the east. Designed as a cultural destination, the street offers a peaceful respite from the bustling market. It invites the public to gather and engage in communal activities, with the building strategically cut away at two corners to create natural public nodes that encourage interaction and exploration.
LANDSCAPES + PUBLIC REALM
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The landscape features of the Gyumri Market & Culinary School are some of the most important features of the project and have taken direct inspiration from the local Armenian tradition of fine carpet making, these beautiful carpets have very distinct patterns and colour compositions that have informed the layouts of these gardens to create a sense of local comfort and familiarity.
THE MARKET
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As the centrepiece of the project, the market has been strategically positioned on the southern half of the site. This placement separates the public areas from the more private programs, while also serving as a buffer zone between internal and external spaces. Running alongside the newly created Public Art Street, the market fosters a welcoming environment, encouraging seamless circulation for all users, regardless of their needs.
At the heart of the market is the main hall, featuring a contemporary dome-inspired structure. Drawing from the design language of Armenia’s historic cathedrals, the dome takes on a modern interpretation. Instead of a traditional dome, an elongated elliptical void has been carved out of the ceiling, creating a striking, open space. This void is topped with a flat, metallic, mirror-finished surface, elevated above the roofline. This innovative design allows for clerestory lighting, bringing natural sunlight into the market while simultaneously providing a structural base for a rooftop public garden.
INNER COURTYARD
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The design of the public inner courtyard draws inspiration from traditional Armenian carpet patterns, integrating a functional herb and spice garden for the adjacent culinary school. The garden features a variety of plants, ranging from common herbs like rosemary, basil, thyme, and dill to locally significant Armenian varieties such as aveluk, mahlab, and za’atar. At its center, a multifunctional platform provides space for a range of events and activities, including local performances, temporary structures like summer pavilions, or even extensions of the market or school during special occasions.
THE CULINARY SCHOOL
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The synergy between the food market, herb garden, and culinary school creates the potential for a world-class educational environment. In this proposal, the culinary school is situated along the northern edge of the site, revitalizing an existing building to serve as the primary street-level entry and reception area. Subtle architectural interventions ensure the building can house closed programs while preserving its historic character.
The school spans two stories, with open classrooms and kitchens on both levels. The upper floor is designed for more advanced, focused educational activities, while the lower floor adopts a contemporary, accessible pedagogical style. Large doors on the ground floor open into the inner courtyard, inviting public engagement both visually and physically with the school's activities and its students.
On the eastern side of the inner courtyard, a working restaurant kitchen is proposed. This facility offers students hands-on experience in a professional setting, allowing them to explore their creativity through contemporary and experimental menus. As a whole, the school aims to inspire the younger generations of Armenians, serving as a beacon of hope for those passionate about the food industry.
