The aim of the ARTRAIL project was to revive one of the most important points of the Soviet heritage - the Children's Railway area and creating a cultural space in Armenia that is family and community֊friendly, and produce an internationally recognized destination for Armenia’s tourism industry.
The project entails the complete regeneration of the 7 hectare park grounds with its 2 km long operational railway line, and the iconic 1950s train stations. New facilities on the territory will include a 1’000 sq meter contemporary art exhibition space, an amphitheatre for live performances and screenings, library and workshop area, a multifunctional pavilion for temporary events, as well as a ‘smart’ playground for kids designed by contemporary artists.
The rehabilitation of ARTRAIL Park territory will attempt to significantly reduce water soaking areas and double green zones. For this particular purpose, given slope angle, the art infrastructures will be created on pillars. The entrance zone shall connect with the railway station and the riverbank area through an elevator, this way enabling access to every corner in the park, at the same time being accessible for people and groups with disabilities. Existing stations will be reused as unique facilities, for example the open-air public swimming pool adjacent to “Joy” station shall be restored, and a new multifunctional hall shall be built. The main exhibition hall serving as major centre for contemporary art, shall be built within “Pioneer” station. The exhibition spaces shall be adjoined with paths which will make part of the sculpture garden. All existing green areas shall be maintained given current world landscaping experience.e adjoined with paths which will make part of the sculpture garden. All existing green areas shall be maintained given current world landscaping experience.
Project team
Architecture: Sarhat Petrosyan, Gagik Khachatryan
