GTU Rector expresses condolences over the death of prominent Georgian architect Vakhtang Davitaia

The Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Chairman of the Standing Conference of Rectors of Higher Educational Institutions of Georgia, Academician David Gurgenidze, on behalf of the university community and the Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and Design, expresses his condolences to the family, relatives, colleagues and students of the deceased over the death of the prominent Georgian architect, public figure, one of the prominent representatives of the Georgian architectural school, Academician Vakhtang (Jemal) Davitaia.

“Mr. Vakhtang Davitaia was the creator of the generation who developed a new era in Georgian architecture. His many years of professional and public activity, unique creative vision, ability to combine national architectural traditions with modern forms, and numerous important projects implemented are an integral part of Georgian cultural heritage.

Behind the statuses of the Chairman of the Union of Architects of Georgia, Honored Artist of Georgia, laureate of the Shota Rustaveli National Prize, and Honorary Citizen of Tbilisi, stood a person who, through many years of professional and public activity, left an indelible mark on the history of Georgian architecture.

The death of this great creator and a dedicated person is especially painful for the Georgian Technical University. Mr. Vakhtang Davitaia dedicated 62 years of his career to the Georgian Technical University. During this time, he served the University with dignity, raising many generations of successful architects.

The name and creative legacy of Vakhtang Davitaia will forever remain in the history of the GTU, the Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and Design, and Georgian architecture, as an example of professionalism, national identity, and high civic responsibility.

Our condolences to the family, relatives, colleagues and students.

May Mr. Vakhtang’s immortal soul rest in peace.

Thank you for everything!

– Academician David Gurgenidze

For information: Vakhtang Davitaia published about 200 scientific articles. He is the author of about 250 projects, including: the International Youth Center “Mziuri Veli” in Bakuriani (together with Arch. G. Gegelia), the Business Center “Mtatsminda” in Tbilisi, the Exhibition Hall of the Georgian Cultural Foundation in Tbilisi, residential buildings in Sagarejo, Kutaisi, Tskneti, Opshkviti, Tabakhmela, bread factories in Vazisubani and the Tbilisi Sea region, the Art Center in Gulripshi, memorials: the Memorial of the Defenders of the Caucasus in Karachaevo-Cherkessia, the “Algeti Basilica” in the village of Tbisi, the Sailors’ Memorial in Poti, the monument to David the Builder in Kutaisi, the “Mother of Koleti” and the monument to Tsotne Dadiani in Poti (Mr. E. Amashukeli), a school for 600 students in the village of Gavazi, the “Temple of Remembrance” in the village of Mukhrani, the “Cube of Remembrance” In the city of Senaki, and others. He received two international awards for “Best Architectural Book of the Year”, the World Biennale of Architecture “Iterarch-83”, the Council of Ministers of Georgia (1983) and the World Biennale of Architecture “Iterarch-85”; in 2005 he was named Person of the Year, is an Honorary Professor of the University of Más del Plata (Argentina) (1987), an Honorary Citizen of the City of Muncie, Indiana, USA (1989). In 2022, by the decision of the GTU Academic Council he was awarded the “Gold Medal” of the University and for long and fruitful scientific, pedagogical and creative activity, the highest award of the University – the Giorgi Nikoladze Medal.