In my opinion, the analytical part of the project should be considered outstanding and deserving of special distinction. The student methodically analyzed numerous traditional typologies, illustrating and describing them in an engaging and comprehensible manner, ultimately leading to a synthesis that was successfully implemented in the design itself: verandas, galleries, bay windows, extensions, and active rooftops. She analyzed both traditional architecture and examples of modernism. She also addressed the issue of the lack of an effective social housing policy in Georgia and emphasized the need for high-quality housing developments for less privileged groups — developments that would not function merely as temporary humanitarian interventions, but rather as long-term solutions for permanent residents.

I also consider the chosen location significant: not the capital city, Tbilisi, but Gori, a medium-sized city of approximately 40,000 inhabitants. In Georgia there is a strong disparity not only in the scale of cities themselves, but also in the scale of investment between the capital and other urban centers. I believe it is important to demonstrate that new social housing is also needed there. The urban and morphological analysis of Gori was carried out thoroughly, and I consider the selected site - a large undeveloped plot adjacent to dense downtown fabric and a historic hilltop fortress - to be an excellent choice.

It is also worth appreciating how skillfully the student implemented her research findings within the project itself. The design incorporates typologies such as galleries, verandas, shared cooking spaces, green courtyards, and accessible rooftops. The morphology of the buildings integrates well into the urban fabric and references it in both scale and form. Personally, as an enthusiast of postmodern approaches to historic urban contexts (although in this case it is not strictly a reconstruction) and of New Urbanism, I appreciate this direction very much. I see it as a valuable counterpoint to the type of developer-led housing that is popular in Georgia, which often hides poor quality behind a façade of high-end minimalism and is driven primarily by market logic, in contrast to what the student proposes.

That said, I believe the project could perhaps have introduced slightly more contemporary reinterpretations of historical forms, greater material diversity, and stronger dominants. I also feel a certain insufficiency in the apartment layouts themselves. They are correct and functional, but the research focused more strongly on communal spaces and multifunctional circulation areas between residential buildings. However, the project is so broad and thoroughly developed that it would not have been possible to resolve every aspect in equal depth, and the student consciously concentrated on what interested her most and what constituted the primary focus of the research - namely, the in-between neighborhood spaces. I consider this a valid and appropriate choice. Within the apartments themselves, an important reference to traditional ways of living is the inclusion, alongside standard units, of large multi-generational apartments, which deserves recognition since the market rarely offers such housing types.

Overall, I evaluate the entire body of work - thematic research, site research, and design proposal - very highly. The project is of a high standard. The student is ambitious, hardworking, and strongly development-oriented. I see great potential in her as both an architect and an urbanist: she already possesses substantial skills, yet also has the openness and willingness to continue learning through collaboration. She demonstrates excellent analytical, artistic, and graphic abilities, evident both in her hand drawings and in her digital visualizations and collages.

As her supervisor, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Elene for this collaboration. Points proposed by supervisor: 93

Research

The thoroughness and multi-layered nature of the research conducted in Research Booklet , as well as the analyses presented in Analysys Booklet , are particularly noteworthy. Their scope, quality of execution, and the author's unique graphic method of presentation may serve as an exemplary model.

The graphic design is outstanding and, while maintaining an original authorial style, communicates ideas in a highly vivid and expressive manner. The student employs a distinctive visual language that enhances the conveyed content and creatively relates to the topics under discussion.

Urban Design

The urban structure of the housing development has been shaped in a highly original and individual manner, skillfully combining historical precedents with contemporary architectural thinking. The hierarchy of public and semi-private spaces is clearly articulated and easily understandable.

The only point that raises some questions is the form of the main public spaces. It seems that their boundaries could be more clearly defined through a greater diversity of functions and building scales.

Functionality

The apartment layouts leave a slight sense of insufficiency. They are rather conventional and somewhat spacious considering the large number of intended users. While the living areas are appropriately dimensioned and proportioned, the bedrooms appear excessively large, which contradicts the principles of efficiency that should constitute a key aspect of social housing design. By optimizing the apartment layouts, it would be possible to provide significantly more housing units while maintaining the same architectural character, functionality, and material consumption.

Architectural Design and Detail

The treatment of the façades and architectural detailing constitutes a creative response to the conducted analyses. The use of historically inspired forms appears justified and appropriate.


Summary

The analytical part of the project reveals the student's exceptional talent for critical observation and comprehensive analysis of architecture and building complexes. These analyses are of a quality that merits publication, wider dissemination, and further development. The student also demonstrates a strong ability to work with urban structures of her own design. The architectural solutions applied to the residential units are somewhat less compelling, but they remain well designed and thoughtfully developed. Topics for thesis defence:

1. Which of the studied historical elements have the greatest potential for creative contemporary reinterpretation, considering current functional needs and technological possibilities? Please, justify your opinion.

Points proposed by reviewer: 95