Soviet architectural heritage in Georgia

Georgia is a former Soviet republic, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. Dating back to the 1st century, Georgia's current capital, Tbilisi, was a crucial point on the Eurasian Steppe trade route, a precursor to the Silk Road. The Mongol, Persian, and Ottoman empires surrounded the area, and because Tbilisi was also a Christian outpost in the region, the city was constantly invaded by its Muslim neighbors. By the end of the 18th century, the capital was completely destroyed.

In 1921, Russia severed Georgia's Islamic ties, declaring the country part of the Soviet Union. The city of Tbilisi was planned and built with iconic Soviet structures.

Although the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, remnants of that regime persisted when Georgia became an independent nation.

Photographers Conte and Perego traveled throughout Georgia to locate examples of this Brutalist and Constructivist style. Many Soviet-era buildings in Georgia have been demolished. Those that remain have mostly been renovated into new forms.

Conte and Perego used their imagery to draw attention to the distinctly expressive style in Soviet architecture. This is noticeable in the use of human forms in Berdzenishvili's statue in Marneuli and the Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument near the Georgian border. Human figures also appear in murals of many public buildings, such as the Auditorium of the Industrial Technical College or the Archaeological Museum.

Circular floor plans were common in many Soviet-era Georgian architectural works and in the Ceremonial Palace designed by architect Djorbenadze.

An important iconic building of the Soviet Union is the Iberia Hotel. Built in 1967, it was later transformed by Georgian architects G. Chakhava and Z. Jalghania. The building's exterior facade was completely redesigned, and today it houses the Radisson Blu Hotel.

The photographer couple were particularly interested in the Department of Highway Construction project. This unique project incorporated elements of traditional Georgian architecture. The structure has also been renovated and converted into the headquarters of the Bank of Georgia.

Huong Thao