Porous Body of Tbilisi: Courtyards at Risk and the Future of Urban Commons

In this international forum, “Porous Body of Tbilisi: Courtyards at Risk and the Future of Urban Commons”, we will explore Tbilisi’s unique porous urban morphology — a network of courtyards, passages, and shared spaces, while also drawing on case studies from Paris, Berlin, and Mexico City.

Rather than focusing solely on individual monuments or historic buildings, this event will explore the urban fabric as a living system that supports collective life, social interaction, cultural memory, and shared urban experiences. Many of these qualities are threatened by development pressures, physical deterioration, fragmented ownership patterns, changing social structures, and the gradual loss of permeability and shared spaces. While individual buildings often receive attention within heritage discussions, the urban environment and the spatial networks that connect them frequently remain overlooked.

The forum will bring together contributors from Berlin, Paris, and Mexico City, who will join the discussion online and draw on their case studies to examine why these often-overlooked urban forms matter and what they can teach us about more inclusive urban development. The discussion will address collective spaces, permeability, urban commons, and preservation approaches that consider the wider urban fabric beyond individual buildings.

The local context, with a focus on Tbilisi’s porous body, will be introduced by architect and Ubani co-founder Nata Tatunashvili, who will also moderate the discussions with the invited contributors. In addition to talks, the program will include Q&A sessions and networking opportunities.

Details

Event address: Design Institute, 82 Dimitri Uznadze Street, Tbilisi 0102, Georgia

Event date: 11 September 2026, 15:00–18:00 (Tbilisi time, UTC+4)

Language: English

Speakers

“Can Public Space Generate Urban Commons? Lessons from Projects Across the CIS and France”

Talk by Edouard Moreau

Edouard Moreau is an urban designer and co-founder of Orchestra Design. With over 20 years of international experience, he specialises in public space, placemaking and urban transformation, combining design, culture, heritage and contemporary uses. 

“Berlin Morphotypes of Collective Space” 

Talk by Anton Gorlenko and Victor Karovskiy

Anton Gorlenko is a Berlin-based architect, photographer and researcher working across architecture, education and research through Gorlenko Studio. His practice focuses on residential and public projects, particularly the adaptation and transformation of historical buildings. Alongside architecture, he works as a photographer with Takero Shimazaki Architects and is involved in teaching, architectural writing and publishing.

Victor Karovskiy is a Berlin-based architect working across architecture, research and community-based initiatives. His experience includes leading large urban and mixed-use projects from competition and concept design through construction, working on public and cultural buildings, and contributing to architectural competitions and experimental building projects.

“Culture and Form: Las Casas de Vecindad in Mexico City” 

Talk by James O’Brien 

James O’Brien, is an architect registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and co-founder and director of O’Brien Van der Steen. Alongside Joseph Van der Steen, James is responsible for the creative and practical direction of the studio, its leadership and is closely involved in the development of all projects from conception to completion and client liaison. James is also responsible for the development of the studio in Mexico City.