MVRDV has been shortlisted in the competition to design the TUMO Convergence Center in Yerevan, Armenia. Initiated by the TUMO, the project calls for a 25,000m2 educational facility on a 15,000m2 site on the edge of the Hrazdan river gorge, with “a design concept that reflects attention to a livable environment fostering open collaboration in the innovation ecosystem of the future”. The project will be MVRDV’s first design proposal for Armenia.

TUMO is an innovative program providing free after-school education in technology and design to teenagers, currently hosting 20,000 students each week in centres in Armenia and elsewhere around the world. The new Convergence Center for Engineering and Applied Science is to be located next to their existing Yerevan building, and is planned as an extension to their existing program reaching university students and young professionals. It will be a mixed-use campus bringing together local students, researchers, and technologists to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

MVRDV was selected for the shortlist from among 67 firms in 24 countries. In the second stage of the competition, taking place in August, MVRDV will travel to Yerevan to work with the jury and the Convergence Center team in a two-day workshop, ultimately leading to the selection of the winning firm.