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The Cascade architectural complex is one of the main decorations and symbols of Yerevan. Conceived in the 1970s by architects Jim Torosyan and Sargis Gurzadyan, this large-scale project combines cascading steps, fountains, and terraces that blend seamlessly into the city’s landscape. The Cascade not only connects the downtown of the Armenian capital city with its upper districts, but also serves as a cultural and public space offering breathtaking views of the city and Mount Ararat.
However, despite its cultural significance, the Cascade was never completed. In 1988, its construction was suspended due to the devastating earthquake, and then—due to subsequent political and economic difficulties.
The project remained unfinished for decades until the Yerevan Municipality presented two new projects for its completion in 2025. These proposals immediately sparked a wave of discussions and divided opinions among architects and the public.
STYLE.NEWS.am spoke with architects who hold different views on the reconstruction and, also, requested comments from a representative of the Yerevan city hall. The discussion included both those who support completing the construction in accordance with the original plan and those who propose modernizing the project and thus attracting attention to it.
"New" Cascade: what could it be like?
The Cascade Gardens project, designed by architect David Hotson, focuses on the harmony of nature and architecture. The project involves the creation of green areas, terraces, and cultural venues where visitors can enjoy views of Yerevan and natural landscapes.
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The project includes a museum of contemporary art, cultural institutions, and recreation areas.
The idea is based on the rapid completion of this project with minimal costs and in accordance with environmental standards.
The second project, the Cascade Cultural Node proposed by the French bureau Wilmotte & Associés Architectes, is more ambitious and focused on large-scale modernization.
It involves the addition of new terraces, public passages, and a 1,000-seat concert hall, which should make the Cascade a more active cultural space. The project includes the restoration of forests around the complex, which supports the idea of environmental sustainability. This project aims to create a new cultural and tourist space that will attract both locals and visitors to Yerevan, becoming a center of social and cultural life.
The proposed projects have divided the architectural community. Many architects have spoken out in favor of preserving the original design of the Cascade, believing that any changes could destroy the cultural and historical significance of this project.
Alienity that destroys the approach of Armenian architecture
Honored Architect of Armenia Hayk Asatryan believes that any serious changes can violate the historical and cultural integrity of the Cascade. According to him, the Cascade was conceived as a symbol of Armenian identity and national culture, and any innovation should take this context into account.
“These projects are well thought out. They proposed, for example, exhibition halls, restaurants—this is good, but this is not connected with the Cascade. This can be done separately, create such establishments in other places ... The lower part of the Cascade, exhibition halls, and everything else is already planned. Let them complete the construction, and we will have a wonderful national structure, which is the Cascade,” Asatryan says.
From Freedom Avenue to the city center, a solution was proposed: to create a Cascade consisting of terraces that not only solved a number of urban problems, but also decorated the space. By now, four platforms have already been built, and a group of fifteen columns was to be installed on the fifth, symbolizing the crown and completing the project.
"Beautiful architecture. And this project was done by people with the same spirit, and it needed to be continued in the same style and completed. This is a foreign intervention... These buildings are completely alien, they violate the general approach adopted by Armenian architecture," Asatryan says.
He emphasizes that the project was interrupted not due to the fault of the architects, and it needs to be completed in accordance with the original concept of Jim Torosyan and Sarkis Gurzadyan in order to preserve cultural continuity.
Architect Misak Khostikyan also advocates for preserving the original design of the Cascade. He notes that the completion should be based on the original concept, so as not to disrupt the harmony of architecture with nature and history.
"The completion of the Cascade must take into account its historical significance. We cannot afford to destroy this connection with the past for the sake of new, but not always justified ideas," says Khostikyan. Any attempts to introduce “creative” changes to the project could distort its original intent and lose the cultural value that Cascade represents for the city and the country.
The Cascade needs support and development, even in this way
Architect Meruzhan Minassian expressed his point of view on the matter of completing the construction of the Cascade and the project of the Museum of Modern Art. He noted that this project has long been supported by the Cafesjian Foundation, which invested significant funds in the development of the Cascade at the initial phases. However, in recent years, the foundation has begun to reduce its activity in this regard, which raises concerns about the future of the complex.
"I do not know exactly what the Cascade itself needs today," Minassian said. "But I know that the building now exists thanks to the efforts of the foundation and our team of architects who worked on the reconstruction. And if we cannot convince the foundation to continue financing and supporting this project, then the implementation of the idea will be at risk."
Also, Minassian emphasized that the task of completing the construction of the Cascade requires a comprehensive approach and deep responsibility. He believes that the modernization of the complex, including the construction of the museum, is important not only for the Cascade itself, but also for Yerevan and its residents. But in his opinion, it is important to maintain a balance between modernization and respect for the original architectural idea.
“I understand those who believe that the Cascade should remain as it was originally conceived, without changes. But the project needs to evolve in order to remain significant for new generations. It is important to understand who will look after it in the future, who will support and develop this object,” he added.
When asked how he would react to possible criticism from the public, Minassian replied: “If the project faces public condemnation, we will, of course, defend it. I believe that the concept of the Modern Art Museum project makes sense, and we need to continue moving in this direction—even if it causes controversy. It is important for people to start discussing, reflecting, getting involved in the process; this makes public projects stronger.”
The architect added that his role in this project should not be overestimated.
“I am not part of the team that is currently running the project, but I was involved in the early phases of the Cascade and have always supported the idea of its development as a cultural center,” Minassian explained.
Yerevan city hall cannot yet provide answers: issues are being discussed, no decisions have been made yet
During an interview with a representative of the Yerevan Municipality about the current status of the project to complete the construction of the Cascade, we did not receive a specific answer to the question about the timeframes and plans. The representative of the city hall noted that the matter is being discussed, and the final decision has not been made yet.
And when asked which of the proposed options for the reconstruction of the Cascade is most likely, the city hall representative responded: "We are considering several proposals." It was stressed as well that the process is being delayed due to the complexity of the approvals, but the dialogue with various stakeholders continues.
As for the project budget, the Yerevan Municipality noted that the exact amount will be announced later, when key partners and contractors are determined. At the moment, there is no specific figure, since the project is still at the planning and discussion phase with investors.
After the completion of all preparatory work, additional discussions are expected be held with representatives of the cultural and public domains to determine how the Cascade will fit into the modern landscape of Yerevan and will be integrated into the cultural life of the Armenian capital.
The future of the Cascade remains in limbo, as the projects presented have generated heated debates among experts and the public. On the one hand, supporters of modernization see this as an opportunity to bring Yerevan to the international cultural arena, to attract the attention of foreign experts and tourists. On the other hand, some public opinion firmly holds the position that any changes could cause irreparable damage to Yerevan's architectural heritage.
Which path the city will choose—preserving traditions, or opting for modernization—depends on the decision of the authorities and public opinion. But in any case, the Cascade remains an integral part of Yerevan's cultural identity, and its completion must take into account both the past and the future of the Armenian capital.
By Liana Aghajanyan