EU TUMO Convergence Center viewed from Tumanyan Park © MVRDV
Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Feature Story | Published May 18th, 2026 | Source: MVRDV
Typologies: Educational, Offices, Retail, Bar-Restaurant, Auditorium, Research, Exhibition, Public Space
Themes: Architecture, Research
Status: On Site
Location: Yerevan, Armenia
Year: 2019–
Surface: 13,500 m²
Client: TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, Simonian Educational Foundation
The EU TUMO Convergence Center Yerevan by MVRDV is one of the most structurally ambitious educational buildings currently under construction in the South Caucasus. Positioned on a hilly outcrop above the Hrazdan River Gorge in Tumanyan Park, the 120-metre-long cantilevered bar extends over steep slopes on each end — a form as deliberate in its symbolism as it is in its engineering.
TUMO was established in 2011 with a distinct purpose: to offer free education in technology and creativity to teenagers in Armenia. To date, it has educated more than 100,000 youths through its network of 25 centers in Armenia and abroad, in cities like Paris, Berlin, Tirana, and Mumbai. The Convergence Center builds on this legacy. Here, more mature students are brought face-to-face with start-up entrepreneurs, young professionals, and technology firms in one single structure.
A Building Rooted in Its Landscape
The building’s connection with the site is immediate and intentional. A massive bar sits atop a sunken podium that extends over the gorge at both ends. The sunken podium elevates the building while at the same time extending the rocky terrain of Tumanyan Park onto the site, thus forming a continuous terrain that connects the park with the building’s podium.
MVRDV TUMO Convergence Center cantilevered over Hrazdan River Gorge Yerevan © MVRDV
The perspectives that have been set out at either end hold significance not only visually but also symbolically. On one side, the building opens up towards the Hrazdan River Gorge, while on the other, it looks out towards Mount Ararat. As quoted by Winy Maas, one of the founders of MVRDV, “The Ark hovers above the gorge—its cantilevered form reflects the concept of standing on the precipice of change and reaching for the future.”
On the other hand, the landscape around the building has been incorporated as part of the program. Paths through the landscape lead from park elements to relaxing and sitting areas. The access bridge coming in from the west goes on to provide a viewing platform over the river, forming part of the arrival experience itself.
TUMO Convergence Center landscape and outdoor spaces Yerevan © MVRDV
Three Voids, One Building
Internally, the 13,500 square metres facility is structured through five floors, which revolve around three major atriums, referred to as “public voids,” creating a unique sense of space. At the center, Grotto acts as the main entrance, containing a cafe and digital lounge. At the south end, the Valley stretches throughout the entire height of the building and accommodates an event hall. At the north end, the Canyon provides co-working spaces on multiple floors.
Interior render: evening atmosphere inside the building © MVRDV
Together, the three voids draw daylight deep into the plan and give the building its sense of communal openness. The translucent polycarbonate façade reinforces this quality. During the day it filters natural light into the interior. At night it reverses, giving the building a gentle glow visible from the park and gorge below.
TUMO Convergence Center glowing polycarbonate facade night view Yerevan © MVRDV
Built to Last
Sustainability runs through both construction and operation. Floor slabs use a bubble-deck approach, reducing concrete volume and overall structural weight. The three atriums function as thermal buffers, each served by separate heating and cooling systems. Anti-stratification fans and low-temperature floor heating maintain comfortable conditions while keeping energy demand low.
The adaptable floor plans make it possible for spaces to be modified over time, thus ensuring a longer lifespan for the building that goes far beyond its initial programme. The current programme of the TUMO Centre guarantees that young people aged between 12 to 18 in the region get training for free in the area of technology and creativity. The Convergence Center expands the programme to adults and companies, contributing to the social and economic sustainability of the youth in Yerevan.
The construction started on 24th February 2026, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the Mayor of Yerevan, the EU Ambassador to Armenia, and the founding CEO of TUMO Centre Marie Lou Papazian.
Section drawing showing the full height of the building © MVRDV
Ground Floor Plan © MVRDV
Level 03 Typical Floor Plan © MVRDV
Site Axonometric View © MVRDV
Site Plan © MVRDV