In Tbilisi's skyline, one building stands out, sparking curiosity and surprise: the Ministry of Roads Building, now the Bank of Georgia Headquarters. The brainchild of architects Giorgi Chakhava and Zurab Jalaghania, and engineered by Alexander Kimberg and Teimuraz Tkhilava, this building encapsulates the essence of perplexity and burstiness, showcasing a dramatic departure from conventional architecture.
Initiated in 1967 and completed in 1975, the project took place under the auspices of the Design Institute “Gipropromselstroy” and later the 3rd architectural studio of TBILZNIIEP. Spanning a 1.5-hectare (approx. 3.7 acres) plot on rugged terrain, the building was erected to host a conglomerate of the Ministry of Automobile Roads and other key organisations. The intent was to create a structure that would announce itself to onlookers while taking minimal space at ground level.
The structure combines three vertical towers of varying heights (51.8 m/170 ft, 39.6 m/130 ft, and 21.3 m/70 ft) connected by two-story horizontal blocks, demonstrating burstiness in architectural form. It draws inspiration from the nature-embracing traditional Georgian architecture, transcending its seemingly chaotic complexity into a functional and aesthetically pleasing design.
This audacious construction faced hurdles not only from engineering challenges but also from financial constraints, the central Soviet authority limiting project budgets to 3 million rubles. Through ingenious budgetary manipulation and contribution from various departments, the cost was managed, paving the way for this architectural marvel to take shape.
Constructed using the then-scarce resources, this building was a testament to the resilience and innovative spirit of its creators. A testament that still stands tall today, now serving as the Bank of Georgia's headquarters, housing more than 600 employees in a modern, technologically-equipped space.
The Ministry of Roads Building embodies both perplexity, through its confusing, non-linear design, and burstiness, characterized by sudden, dramatic shifts in form. It remains an iconic symbol of Georgia's rich architectural heritage and the creativity that thrived even under the constraints of the Soviet era. This building, bridging past and present, continues to inspire admiration and intrigue, a testament to Georgia's architectural prowess.
