Project: Cinema City Tower
Architecture: STIPFOLD
Project Team: Beka Pkhakadze, George Bendelava, Anuki Berianidze, Magda Zandarashvili, Niko Malazonia, Sulkhan Tsiklauri, Archil Takalandze
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Area: 32000 m2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: STIPFOLD
Cinema City Tower by STIPFOLD rises from a small 700 m² site in Tbilisi. It follows strict building rules yet still offers a bold new form. Situated near a historic cinema, it respects the old structure’s heritage. At the same time, it reaches upward, aiming to reshape the city’s skyline.
Materiality and Changing Light
The tower’s façade uses white fiber concrete and exposed metal. As the sun moves, shadows shift across the surfaces. This changing light makes the building appear alive. Moreover, the eastern and western sides react differently to the passing hours, adding depth and variety.
The Sky Bridge: Elevated Civic Space
A key feature is the sky bridge that connects the old cinema to the new tower. This raised walkway is accessed by a glass elevator, encouraging visitors to move upward through the city’s layers. In addition, the bridge includes seating, plants, and broad views. Thus, people find a public place high above the streets to rest and enjoy the scene below.
Historic Atrium with Greenery
Inside the old cinema’s atrium, a glass roof now welcomes sunlight. Furthermore, plants fill the space, creating a fresh and calming environment. There are shops, cafés, and galleries arranged around terraces and corridors. These semi-outdoor areas blur the line between inside and outside. As a result, the building feels open and fluid, inviting people to explore and linger.
Vertical Leisure and City Views
Above the lobby, the tower’s upper floors provide areas for relaxation. For example, a spa-like pool lets visitors enjoy wide views of Tbilisi. Additionally, the interiors are simple and bright, ensuring that guests feel balanced and at ease. Each level offers a new way to see the city, making the tower both a home and a viewing platform.
Cultural Significance and Future Vision
Cinema City Tower links the past with the present. It embraces old structures while introducing new public spaces. Furthermore, it adapts to modern life without ignoring history. This careful approach shows that Tbilisi can honor its roots and still move forward. In the end, STIPFOLD’s work suggests a future where buildings serve as lively stages, merging culture, community, and change.
