Success of IBSU Architecture Graduates at the “Architectural Award 2025”

The diploma projects of Mariam Skhirtladze and Tiko Gogia, graduates of the School of Computer Science and Architecture at the International Black Sea University (IBSU), received recognition at the Architectural Award 2025.

Mariam Skhirtladze’s project “La Pomme” (Cider Hub) won first place in the Public Building category. The project addresses the issue of underused apple resources in the Gori region by promoting cider production and unites a factory, restaurants, and public spaces within a single complex. “La Pomme” is harmoniously integrated into the urban structure of Gori and stands out for its refined technical solutions and high-quality exterior design.

Tiko Gogia’s project “Archeopolis”, located 20 km from Senaki on the right bank of the Tekhura River — at the site of the ancient Greek city Archeopolis — contributes to the development of the area’s tourism potential. Surrounded by greenery, sulfur hot springs, a geyser, and a waterfall, the project envisions a wellness and hotel complex with fluid, wave-like geometry. It was selected among the top three projects in the Hotel Architecture category.

Notably, IBSU students consistently participate in this competition and have won first place across various categories every year. Both award-winning projects were supervised by Assoc. Prof. Giorgi Gabunia, from the International Black Sea University. Last year, IBSU student Davit Asanidze also won in the Multifunctional Complex category.

On October 18, 2025, the Paragraph Tbilisi Hotel hosted the award ceremony of the 19th International “Architectural Award 2025”, organized by Style Magazine and the Union of Architects of Georgia. The competition, held annually since 2006 and featuring nearly 8,000 submitted works, covers nearly every field of architecture — including residential and public buildings, interiors, restoration, landscape architecture, urban planning, furniture design, and student projects.