THE NORTH AXIS: KIDS CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

The proposed Kids cultural and entertainment Center is located in Yerevan, within the Arabkir district, at 49/10 Komitas Avenue. Positioned within the northern part the park and integrated into the broader North Axis masterplan, the project contributes to the creation of a new public and cultural hub for the city.

Urban and Historical Context

The site forms part of the urban structure originally envisioned in the 1929 masterplan by Alexander Tamanian, where Arabkir was conceived as a self-contained district with a strong green framework and defined urban centers.

Later planning strategies reinforced the Northern Axis as a key urban spine, connecting Komitas Avenue to surrounding districts through a continuous green and public space system. Within this context, the project responds to the contemporary need for accessible cultural, educational, and recreational environments, particularly for younger generations.

Architectural Concept

The building is conceived as a low-rise, segmented, curved volume embedded within the park landscape. Its form follows a soft, flowing geometry that contrasts with rigid urban grids, creating a more approachable and human-scale architectural expression.

The project consists of two above-ground and two underground levels, with a total area of approximately 4,200 m², including an open-air amphitheater. The maximum height reaches 9–9.5 meters, ensuring minimal visual impact within the green context while maintaining spatial generosity internally.

The eastern side of the building integrates an amphitheater, directly connected to the park, serving as a platform for performances, events, and informal gatherings.

Functional Organization

The complex is designed as a multifunctional environment dedicated to youth entertainment, culture, retail and public engagement. It includes:

• exhibition and event halls

• retail areas and café spaces

• underground service and technical facilities

• IT entertainment areas with VR zones and active play zones

The second floor accommodates retail functions, with a dedicated entrance from the park, ensuring clear functional separation.

The ground floor hosts public-facing programs such as retail and café spaces, directly connected to the central square and park flows. Additional service and logistics access is organized from the northern side.

A mezzanine level is designed as an exhibition and event space for showcasing creative work produced within the center.

Spatial and Environmental Strategy

The architectural envelope responds directly to climatic conditions, characterized by hot, dry summers and strong solar exposure.

Large cantilevered volumes, enabled by the application of Vierendeel beam-wall systems, provide shaded outdoor areas, protecting visitors from intense sun and seasonal precipitation. These overhangs extend the usability of public space throughout the year, reinforcing the park as an active, all-season environment.

The western and southern façades are designed as ventilated systems with large-format semi-transparent glass and quartz panels, allowing controlled light penetration while maintaining thermal performance.

Connectivity and Integration

The building maintains direct connections with the adjacent multifunctional complex (B1) through underground levels, where storage, technical, and service spaces are shared. This integration allows the project to function as part of a larger, cohesive system rather than a standalone object.

Structural Approach

The structure is based on a hybrid system combining column-beam and wall-bearing elements. The use of structural principles enables large spans and significant cantilevers, which define the architectural identity of the building.

Spans reach up to 22.5 meters, allowing the creation of large, flexible interior spaces suitable for multifunctional use. Basement and amphitheater coverings are designed with coffered slab systems, optimizing structural efficiency while maintaining spatial quality.