In the heart of Tbilisi’s Saburtalo district, Cityzen Tower, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), rises as a striking new addition to the city’s growing urban fabric. Positioned at the intersection of Mikheil Tamarashvili and University streets, the tower introduces a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces, redefining the area as a dynamic hub for living and working.
Built on the site of the former Soviet military headquarters for the central and southern Caucasus, Cityzen Tower stands within a larger master plan shaping the Saburtalo district into a more connected and functional neighborhood. With access to Line 2 of the metro system, nearby state university faculties, and commercial areas, the development supports the city’s rapid expansion by integrating contemporary living with civic infrastructure.
An Urban Hub With Integrated Green Spaces
Cityzen Tower is part of a broader vision for Cityzen, a new district that prioritizes public plazas, pedestrian pathways, and landscaped gardens. Covering 23,000 square meters of outdoor space, the development fosters a sense of connection between residents, professionals, and visitors. These open spaces complement Tbilisi’s Central Park, a 36-hectare area adjacent to the tower that features botanical gardens, wooded landscapes, and sports facilities.
Mature trees from the original site remain part of the design, preserving a direct link to the area’s natural elements. The combination of green areas, gathering spaces, and modern architecture establishes Cityzen as a key part of Tbilisi’s ongoing transformation.
Design Rooted in Tbilisi’s Natural Landscape
ZHA’s design for Cityzen Tower takes inspiration from Tbilisi’s undulating terrain, shaped by rolling hills and river valleys. This natural influence translates into the tower’s cascading terraces, which extend outward at lower levels and transition into elevated balconies for the residences above.
The lower floors house cafés, restaurants, and public gathering spaces, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and Central Park. As the tower rises, these terraces become open-air social spaces for offices and workspaces before transforming into private balconies with expansive city and park views at the upper residential levels.
A Design That Evolves With Its Function
The tower’s structure gradually shifts from larger communal spaces at its base to a more compact, diamond-shaped footprint at the top, accommodating a mix of functions while ensuring optimal daylight and views for every residence. This transition in form creates a sense of movement, giving Cityzen Tower its distinctive twisting profile that enhances its presence in Tbilisi’s skyline.
Strategic design choices optimize wind flow and solar exposure, ensuring a comfortable experience in the tower’s outdoor spaces. Positioned in Tbilisi’s humid temperate climate, the building uses extended balconies and external louvres to reduce heat exposure in summer while maximizing warmth during winter.
Sustainability and Local Expertise
Cityzen Tower integrates sustainability into its core design, targeting LEED Gold certification. Locally sourced recycled materials play a role in the project’s construction, reinforcing Tbilisi’s deep-rooted expertise in concrete architecture.
The development also implements rainwater collection and reuse through an on-site reservoir, while native vegetation requiring minimal irrigation further supports ecological efficiency. These elements ensure that the tower not only meets modern environmental standards but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the surrounding area.
A Landmark Project for Zaha Hadid Architects and Cityzen
Cityzen Tower marks Zaha Hadid Architects’ first project in Georgia, setting a new standard for contemporary architecture in the region. Developed by IG Development Georgia, Cityzen has positioned itself as a leader in urban planning and architectural innovation, shaping a new chapter in Tbilisi’s evolution.
Scheduled for completion in 2028, the tower will stand as a symbol of the city’s ongoing growth, integrating design, sustainability, and urban connectivity into a single, forward-thinking project.
Client: Cityzen
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Design: Patrik Schumacher
ZHA Project Director: Manuela Gatto
ZHA Project Associate: Yevgeniya Pozigun
ZHA Project Architects: Takehiko Iseki, Massimo Napoleoni
ZHA Project Leads: Armando Bussey (Design), Bowen Miao (Facade), Maria Avrami (BIM)
ZHA Technical Coordination: Kutbuddin Nadiadi
ZHA Project Team: Alicia Hidalgo Lopez, Armando Bussey, Besan Abudayah, Bowen Miao, Catherine McCann, Charles Walker, Ignacio Fernandez De Castro, Jessica Wang, Jose Pareja Gomez, Kutbuddin Nadiadi, Laizhen Wu, Manuela Gatto, Maria Avrami, Massimo Napoleoni, Panos Ioakim, Takehiko Iseki, Thomas Bagnoli, Yevgeniya Pozigun
ZHA Analytics & Insights Team: Uli Blum, Danial Haziq
ZHA Sustainability Team: Aleksander Mastalski, Aditya Ambare, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Shibani Choudhury, Disha Shetty
Consultants
Local Architect: Artstudio Project
Structural Engineers: Capiteli
Façade Engineering: FMT Façade Consultants
MEP: Zerone
Landscape Consultant: Artstudio Project
Rendering: Negativ
Animation: Render.ge
LEED Consultant: Sustainable Engineering Ltd
