2017 - 2021

The Programme is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway and Directorate of Cultural Heritage of Norway (Riksantikvaren). Overall Objective of the project is to support the sustainable development process through heritage rehabilitation. Within the project activities: a full scale of showcase restoration of Tbilisi traditional house, the listed site at 33, Mepe Solomon Brdzeni street in Tbilisi, has been performed, applying international standards and principles of conservation, utilizing traditional crafts, materials and knowledge. 

To achieve a “learning by doing” experience for the team of the experts involved, and for young craftsmen, engineers, students, local community members, a series of capacity building activities were conducted, including: international workshop on structural analyses and conservation of historic buildings, workshops on use and conservation earth mortar, training on wood conservation and one-day open door sessions on different conservation challenges for the students, etc. Based on experience gained, the Traditional Tbilisi Dwelling Conservation Manual has been elaborated, followed by the creation of public space for the heritage community within the rehabilitated site. This space now shelters the Heritage Resource Centre offering various activities focusing on capacity building and public awareness, and is open for cross-sectoral collaboration and research.