“Casa Sole,” a project that garnered international attention at the Venice Biennale, is being realized in Tbilisi’s Bagebi district. Designed by architect Nikoloz Lekveishvili, founder of Timm Architects, the project serves as an architectural extension of Tbilisi’s landscape, seamlessly blending the city’s rich architectural heritage with modern infrastructure while addressing contemporary human-centric challenges.
This unique vision earned “Casa Sole” a place at an architectural exhibition held concurrently with the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, a prestigious event held every two years that showcases architects and their work from around the world. Since its inception in 1980, the Biennale has been a vital platform for shaping architectural discourse, offering participants the opportunity to address social and technological challenges and influence global trends. The parallel exhibitions, including the one featuring “Casa Sole,” are closely tied to the Biennale’s main theme and are considered an integral part of the event, attracting organizers, participants, and visitors alike.
Curator Vladimir Belogolovsky, a critic based in New York for over 20 years, praises Nikoloz Lekveishvili’s innovative approach. “I’ve visited Tbilisi before and know Nikoloz well from past collaborations,” Belogolovsky said. “When I reached out to him about participating, he proposed this project. I was immediately impressed. It’s unique, rooted in local history, and I believe his idea is truly inspiring.”
The exhibition in Venice featured five renowned architects alongside Lekveishvili: Zaiga Gaile (Riga, Latvia), Sergei Tchoban (Berlin, Germany), Yingfan Zhang and Xiaojun Bu (Beijing, China), Robert Konieczny (Poland), and Ashot and Armine Snikhchyan (Yerevan, Armenia).
“Casa Sole” reimagines Tbilisi’s cultural and architectural identity as a micro-city designed to foster human connection. The building’s structure ensures that sunlight reaches every apartment throughout the day. “We designed the structure with a ‘window’ to allow sunlight to penetrate the space, creating a courtyard-like area inspired by Tbilisi’s traditional scale,” Lekveishvili explained in an interview with Belogolovsky. “This led us to explore how we could translate Tbilisi’s historical typologies, lifestyles, and traditions into contemporary architecture.”
Central to the project is the Tbilisi balcony, a space for gathering, communication, and connection with the outside world. Historically, balconies in Tbilisi, known as “salaqbo” or “chat balconies,” served as shared spaces that belonged neither entirely to the city nor the residents. This ambiguity underscored their social significance, acting as a theatrical stage for interaction in a warm climate where life was often lived outdoors. Lekveishvili aims to revive this tradition in a modern context, countering the isolating effects of the digital age. “In today’s increasingly virtual world, restoring opportunities for real human interaction is critical,” he noted.
Research supports the idea that socialization and exposure to sunlight are essential for mental well-being, reducing stress, stimulating creativity, and even improving physical health. “Casa Sole” prioritizes public spaces to offer residents an escape from routine, fostering harmony and connection.
“Casa Sole” is designed for those who cherish community, value morning sunlight in their homes, and seek to break free from the digital maze to rediscover the joy of real-world relationships under the sun or moonlight. The project comprises three buildings, each featuring a 150-square-meter communal green balcony on the fourth floor. Additionally, every apartment has its own private balcony, connected to the living space by a stained-glass door, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.
The project has been approved and is slated for completion within three years.
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