Italian architecture practice Studio Fuksas has called for the ordered demolition of its Rike Concert Hall to be halted and an alternative use for the building to be found.
In a statement issued to Dezeen, Studio Fuksas said that it had made repeated attempts to contact Tbilisi officials and the building owners over the past year, but had received no response.
"Over the past months, the studio repeatedly offered to work with the Georgian authorities to explore alternative solutions that could preserve and repurpose this iconic building, avoiding what we believe would be a premature and irreversible demolition," said the studio.
"Unfortunately, these proposals have received no response."
Earlier this week, the Georgian press reported that a permit had been awarded by the Tbilisi city government to demolish the concert hall in Rike Park.
Built between 2010 and 2012, the largely complete concert hall never opened to the public. Now, after 15 years of standing empty, it looks set to be demolished.
The building, which was funded by the city and originally cost around €40 million, is now in private hands after being sold in 2022 for around €10 million. According to Studio Fuksas, the demolition of the building will also require public funds.
"The loss of an internationally recognised and award-winning work of architecture would represent a significant cultural setback," said the studio.
"Moreover, the building was constructed with public funds, and its demolition would require additional public expenditure instead of evaluating the potential for its reuse and regeneration," it continued.
"Demolishing the auditorium would also mean giving up a unique cultural asset for Tbilisi: a concert hall for classical music and a major venue for contemporary art that could still serve future generations through a comprehensive redevelopment programme."
The studio criticised both the decision to demolish the building and the overall lack of engagement of the city and current building owners.
No plans for its replacement have been announced, although a hotel was previously mooted for the site.
"In more than sixty years of professional practice, this is the first time Studio Fuksas has faced the demolition of one of its projects without ever being invited to discuss possible alternatives," it said.
"Neither the public authorities nor any other stakeholder has engaged with the studio despite our repeated willingness to cooperate. Studio Fuksas firmly opposes both the demolition of the building and the absence of an open dialogue regarding its future," it continued.
"Tbilisi still has the opportunity to transform an unfinished project into a symbol of regeneration, innovation and international openness – let this opportunity not be wasted."
Founded by architects Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, Studio Fuksas is one of Italy's most prominent architecture studios. Recent projects by the studio include a "vertical park" on the Monaco waterfront.
The photography is courtesy of Studio Fuksas, unless stated.