I am always on the hunt for unusual and unique architecture. The headquarters of the Bank of Georgia fits the bill.

This concrete structure was built in the 1970s by George Chakhava, who was both lead architect on the project and the client. Chakhava was the Deputy Minister of Highway Construction of the Georgian SSR. The first time I noticed this building was at night from the highway that follows the Kura River. It recalled a tower of Jenga blocks placed one on top of the other to 18 stories. It was a quick view, and it wasn’t well lit, so I was not all that impressed.

I inquired about the building and my friend drove me out in the morning and there it stood in all its Brutalist glory. Instead of Jenga blocks, it was a concrete wonderland. The design is based on the Space City concept, which in some ways reminds me of a tree house fantasy. The idea is to build up and leave the ground below to nature. Perhaps this was an early prototype for what we now think of as green buildings. It creates harmony between human space and nature, allowing the forest to grow within and around the structure. It was acquired by the Bank of Georgia in 2007.

It is best to go on foot, by car it is impossible to stop and park. Cross to the other side of the river for a full view of the building.