The inauguration of the construction of the EU TUMO Convergence Centre, a new facility resembling Noah’s Ark, took place in Yerevan. The building is being constructed on the TUMO campus in Tumanyan Park. The event was attended by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and representatives of authorities and institutions involved in the development of the TUMO educational programme. The project was designed by MVRDV.
An office building like Noah’s Ark in Yerevan
The new building is being constructed above the Hrazdan River gorge, which will provide it with wide and beautiful views of the city, the valley and Mount Ararat. Its structure has been designed in such a way as to emphasise the connection between the EU TUMO Convergence Centre and its surroundings and the most important elements of the local landscape. The facility will become another element of the campus and is intended to support the development of free education related to technology and creativity, offered to young people and adults in Armenia.
TUMO’s educational mission and institutional development
The TUMO Centre for Creative Technologies has been operating since 2011 and focuses on teaching digital and creative skills through practical projects and self-directed learning. During this time, the programme has reached over 100,000 young people. The network of centres, which began in Yerevan, has expanded to 25 locations in Armenia and abroad, including Paris, Berlin, Tirana and Mumbai. The new facility will house educational spaces, facilities for technology and design companies, and conference rooms. This will facilitate collaboration between older students, young professionals and start-ups, strengthening the relationship between higher education and the technology sector.
An office building like Noah’s Ark, overlooking Ararat
The form of the EU TUMO Convergence Centre building corresponds to the terrain above the ravine. The impressive, approximately 120-metre-high structure rests on a recessed base and extends over steep slopes. Large glazing directs the viewing axes towards the river valley to the north and Mount Ararat to the south, traditionally associated with the biblical Noah’s Ark. The podium raises the building above the ground and creates a sloping passageway that extends the layout of the nearby park. The interiors are equally impressive. Five storeys are organised around three tall atriums that serve as open common spaces. The central “Grotto” houses the entrance, café and digital zone, the southern “Valley” is designed for events, while the “Canyon” integrates the floors and co-working environments. Daylight penetrates deep into the interior thanks to the atriums and a translucent polycarbonate façade, which gives the building a delicate glow at night.
EU TUMO Convergence Centre in Armenia
The land development concept respects the rocky landscape of Tumanyan Park, creating a network of walking trails, rest areas and meeting zones. The western bridge leads to the entrance and passes through the central atrium, ending with a viewing platform above the ravine. The design incorporates carbon-reducing technologies, including bubbledeck ceilings that reduce concrete consumption and structural weight. The functional layout is based on two communication cores, which allows for changes in the layout in the long term. The atriums act as thermal buffers with separate heating and cooling systems, supported by fans and low-temperature underfloor heating. All this contributes to stable working conditions with lower energy consumption.
Design: MVRDV
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