Lali Shashiashvili
Architect
Tbilisi, Georgia
lalikoshashiashvili@yahoo.com

Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Infrastructure Development

of Raphael Eristavi's House-Museum

Abstract

In contemporary global consciousness, monuments of cultural heritage hold significant value. Each monument is an object of national importance, reflecting the spiritual and cultural values of history and the era it represents. Naturally, objects of such significance and value, which enrich the perception of time and space, are worthy of respect and pride. These monuments become landmarks, serving as a kind of calling card for a country or region.

Given this, their preservation and maintenance are crucial. However, today there are varied approaches to the issue of reconstruction and rehabilitation. Often, reconstruction leads to alterations in the original appearance, conceptual dissonance with the surrounding environment, and negative impacts on the visual integrity of towns and villages.

Project Essence
The restoration, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of Raphael Eristavi's House-Museum, along with its infrastructural development, aim to restore the writer's memorial house as a cultural heritage monument and adapt it to modern standards. Based on thorough research, the building should regain its authentic appearance. At the same time, to revitalize its functional role, it must be adapted to meet modern museum requirements, ensuring the 19th-century architectural structure serves contemporary needs.

Objective
The primary goal is the preservation and protection of regional movable, immovable, and living cultural heritage, historical memory, and the creation of a multifunctional museum, educational, craft, and commercial space (including gastronomic and souvenir offerings) filled with activities.

The project aims to prepare a rehabilitation and museum adaptation plan for Raphael Eristavi's memorial complex. It seeks to promote the history of Aragvi Saeristavo and the Eristavi family, the cultural heritage associated with them, and the fascinating and multifaceted work of Raphael Eristavi and his sister, Barbare Jorjadze. The project will also contribute to transforming the memorial house-museum into a vibrant and multifunctional space, establishing it as a cultural hub for the region.

The new museum will support informal education, traditional crafts, and house a winery and café ("Buffet Barbare") with educational and historical content. It will also be a modern venue for creative and cultural events, catering to multi-ethnic and religious needs, promoting gender equality, the socialization and empowerment of women in the region, and the development of the local community. The functioning of the winery, café, and souvenir spaces will aid local employment, and foster the development of cultural, wine, and gastronomic tourism, supporting the sustainable economic growth of both the region and the country.