In August 2020, the American University of Armenia (AUA) launched an international ‘Urban Landscape Competition’ for the design of Triangle Park in Yerevan, Armenia. MTD Landscape Architects, in collaboration with Archidutch (ICN Group), participated in this competition, and their submission was selected as the winning design!

Triangle Park is currently in a poor state, partly due to the significant height differences of around 10 meters. The park is situated on a fairly steep slope, making it difficult for pedestrians to navigate, with a fairly monotonous layout plagued by erosion and watermanagement issues.

In the design by MTD Landscape Architects, it is proposed to transform this slope into a terraced landscape, thereby introducing a comfortable and high-quality route through the park. This route is suitable for both those who are able-bodied, via a ‘short’ route over a set of stairs, and those who are less mobile, via a wheelchair-friendly, winding ‘serpentine path.’ Additionally, the terraces provide space for a rich and diverse range of plantings and numerous play, sports, and recreational areas. Water will be slowed as it flows over the terraces, collected, and reused. The design also incorporates an underground sports facility building, designed by Archidutch.

The design addresses the urgent challenges of Triangle Park and also creates opportunities to revitalize the area and develop it into a lively and green meeting place. The park will serve as an inspiring university campus of international stature for students and staff of the American University of Armenia, as well as an inclusive and healthy city park for residents of the adjacent neighborhood. Due to its strategic location and many qualities, the park can become an important ‘stepping stone’ between the old city center of Yerevan and the more northerly residential areas.

After winning the competition, MTD and Archidutch, further developed the competition design into a concrete, sustainable, and future-proof plan through an extensive participation process with the American University of Armenia, local residents, and businesses.

Triangle Park will be a valuable addition to the city of Yerevan, where enhancing biodiversity, climate adaptation, and sustainable (rain)water solutions go hand in hand with creating a safe, accessible, and high-quality space for students and residents.