KOMITAS BRIDGE PROJECT

Historical Urban Planning Overview

The proposed structure is located in Yerevan's Arabkir district, which was originally a separate settlement. In 1929, architect Alexander Tamanian developed a master plan for Arabkir, envisioning it as an independent urban unit composed of individual houses. At the time, the settlement included a central core, a ring-shaped park, secondary centers, and was surrounded by greenery. It was connected to Yerevan by three main roads.

Later urban planning documents integrated Arabkir into Yerevan's general master plans, aligning its development with the city's broader urban schemes.

Notable Concepts from the 1938 Master Plan

The 1938 plan introduced several significant ideas:

A bridge connection between Baghramyan Avenue and Ajapnyak

A green belt along the railway

An emphasis on the Northern Axis, linking the green belt to the ravine system

The 1972 Master Plan Development

By 1972, the Northern Axis had become a central theme, enhanced by the addition of a civic center. An alley was introduced, extending from four high-rise research buildings to Nairi Zaryan Street. This landscaped axis connected Komitas Avenue with Nairi Zaryan Street, creating a green and recreational environment for the community.

Today, Arabkir's zoning plan highlights the urgent need for more public and green spaces.

Architectural Solutions

The proposed overpass-bridge occupies a pivotal location at the northernmost section of Yerevan's Northern Axis—one of the city's defining urban arteries. Situated at the intersection of Komitas Avenue and Arabkir Boulevard, directly in front of the GAG 4 buildings, the site embodies both symbolic and practical importance.

The Northern Axis represents a key thread in Yerevan's urban history, grounded in two main principles:

Establishing a strong, southward-opening architectural axis that acts as a compass for the city, serving as an urban spine and anchoring the main street patterns developed since the 19th century.

Marking key intersections with distinctive architectural landmarks, thereby reinforcing Yerevan's nodal urban structure. Examples include the Opera House, Cascade Complex, Republic Square, Northern Avenue, and St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral.

Bridge Functions

The bridge must address two core roles:

Urban functionality: ensuring comfort, safety, durability, low maintenance, and alignment with sustainable development principles.

Urban identity: revitalizing Arabkir Boulevard and emphasizing its position as a major junction of the Northern Axis.

Design Description

The bridge connects the Komitas–Zaryan section of the Northern Axis with the garden of the Komitas GAG buildings. On Komitas Avenue's southern sidewalk, it rests on a rectangular prism volume housing a staircase and elevator. On the northern sidewalk, it blends into the retaining walls and extends into the park's central square.

The bridge is semi-open and unheated, with the following dimensions:

Clearance above Komitas Avenue: 4,500 mm

Bridge height: 4,000 mm

Total height: 8,500 mm

Length: 47,250 mm (main span: 38,500 mm; secondary span: 9,500 mm)

Width: 5,300 mm

Beyond functionality, the project aims to strengthen a sense of place and identity. The activation of the square and garden will support cultural events—festivals, concerts, and celebrations—while generating investment opportunities in agriculture and healthy food production. Over time, the garden and canopy will become a cultural landmark, shaping the city's collective memory of public space.

Structural Solutions

The bridge's northern support extends naturally from the park and multifunctional center, resting on reinforced concrete retaining walls. The southern support begins directly from the sidewalk, occupying three parking spaces but designed to preserve pedestrian circulation.

The structural system consists of an active metal truss wrapped in quartz-galvanized metal mesh. All solutions meet safety, volumetric, and engineering requirements in accordance with Armenian legislation.

Compliance Standards

The design complies with RA construction codes and standards, including but not limited to:

RA SN 32-03.01-2024 (Bridges and Culverts) RA SN 21-01-2014 (Fire Safety of Buildings and Structures) RA SN 52-01-2021 (Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Structures) RA SN 20.04-2020 (Seismic-resistant Construction, Design Norms) RA SN 32-01-2022 (Automobile Roads) RA SN 22-01-2024 (Construction Climatology) RA SN 53-01 (Steel Structures) RA SN IV-10.01.01-2006 (Foundations of Buildings and Structures) RA SN 20-05-2022 (Corrosion Protection of Structures) SNiP 3.06.04-91 (Bridges and Culverts) GOST 9.401-2018 RA KH 23-101-2017 (Accessibility Design Rules for People with Limited Mobility)

Project Team

Doctor of Architecture: Telemak Albert Ananyan Master of Architecture: Hayk Martirosyan Master of Architecture: Isabella Harutyunyan

3D Modeling and Graphics: Hayk Martirosyan Isabella Harutyunyan