From January 29 to 31, 2025, representatives from four consulting organizations involved in the Academic City Project visited Armenia for a working trip:
– representatives of the German architectural and engineering firm gmp International GmbH Architects and Engineers, which developed the concept for the Academic City master plan in2024, and is currently responsible for the schematic design and coordination of the other consultants,
– representatives of TUM International GmbH, responsible for setting up the Academic City's Technological Cluster and developing the overall management model for the Academic City,
– representatives of RSUP (Rabe Strategic Urban Planning), responsible for the development of a strategic framework for urban development of the Academic City,
– representatives of the Italian company Systematica, responsible for the development of the Academic City's transport mobility project.

TUM International’s agenda included meetings with students from the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, and the Armenian National Agrarian University. The vision for the development of education and
science in Armenia's technical and technological sectors, the expectations expressed by students, current challenges, and strategies for overcoming them were discussed.
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A meeting was held at the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia to review the work accomplished and outline future activities.
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Zhanna Andreasyan, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia, also met with representatives from international consultants involved in the development and implementation of the Academic City Project. The Minister emphasized that key processes
related to the implementation of the Academic City, such as the development of an investment plan and amendments to applicable laws, require cooperation with international partners as well.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the vision and the structure of the Educational cluster of the Academic City Project to the teaching staff and the students of the Armenian State Pedagogical University, the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, the Brusov State University. During the meeting, Norbert Pachler, the Program Director of the Institute of Education IOE - UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, in turn, presented their experience in university merger and the scope of the planned cooperation with the Academic City Project.

Representatives from the German company RSUP, CEO Jochen Rabe and Franziska Sahr, had a visit to Armenia to initiate the strategic urban development framework for the Academic City Project, building on the completed Vision Masterplan by gmp architects. During their visit, they have met with executives from public and private institutions, as well as NGOs, to gather critical insights into the factors shaping the future development of Academic City.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented details of the Technological cluster of the Academic City Project to a group of representatives of the teaching and student staff of the Polytechnic University of Armenia, the Agrarian University, the University of Architecture and Construction, as well as a group of representatives of scientific research organizations. During the meeting, Georgetta Auctor, Senior Program Manager at the Technical University of Munich, in turn, presented their university and the scope of the planned cooperation with the Academic City Project.

Within the framework of the Academic City Project’s Educational Cluster development, the Armenian delegation visited London to meet with their colleagues from the UCL's Faculty of Education and Society. During this visit, a Letter of Intent has been signed between the Higher Education and Science Committee and the Faculty of Education and Society of University College London, outlining opportunities for exchange of experience and development of cooperation to establish the Educational Cluster of the Academic City Project.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the Arts cluster of the Academic City Project to the teaching staff and the students of the Yerevan State Theatre and Film Institute, the Komitas Yerevan State Conservatory and the Yerevan Academy of Fine Arts. The Prime Minister's presentation was preceded by a presentation from a representative of the University of the Arts London, Ian Storey, who described their experience of merger of universities and the scope of the planned cooperation with the Academic City Project.

The final concept masterplan for the Academic City was presented at Matenadaran, attended by key officials and academic representatives. The Project’s potential to transform society through enhanced educational infrastructure, including a national stadium and facilities for residents, was highlighted. The design by gmp Architects for the Academic City envisions a collaborative environment for education, research, and public life across a wide area near Yerevan.

During the official visit of the Armenian delegation to Germany, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports had a discussion with the German colleagues regarding the scope of cooperation between the two countries related to the Academic City Project. In particular, the possible cooperation on the technological cluster of the Academic City Project was emphasized.

The conceptual masterplan for the Academic City was presented, with key discussions held between gmp Architects and the local specialists.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan toured the railway infrastructures connecting Yerevan to the Academic City, evaluating transport network’s possible developments.

A stakeholder meeting focused on discussing the masterplan’s transport infrastructure and the Project’s sustainability.

The results of the student workshop titled “City for Dreams: New Spaces for Hayfilm, Armenia” organized by the Academy of Architectural Culture to develop conceptual designs for the film city in the Academic City Project were presented. During the three-week workshop held in Hamburg, architectural students from different international universities as well as the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, with the help of their teachers from the aac and architects from gmp, developed four different designs concepts for the film city in the Hayfilm area.

Arts, Educational, Medical, Classical and Technological clusters’ workgroups coordinating the merger of state universities of the Republic of Armenia and their integration with scientific research organizations held their first meetings. The purpose of the formed workgroups is coordination of the development of the future clusters with the participatory involvement of relevant field specialists, collect professional opinions, and proposals on the process of merger of state universities and their integration with scientific research organizations, to bring these proposals to the implementation stage in the future.

The Armenian Government allocated land in Yerevan to build the Academic City.

During a consultation where the infrastructures for the Academic City were discussed, the gmp’s representative emphasized the importance of accessibility and green spaces in the design aiming to create a pedestrian-friendly area with parks and support facilities. It was decided to add landscape design works to the scope of gmp.

An Armenian delegation, including representatives from the Academic City Fund and various government bodies, visited Germany to learn about the best experience of creating successful science and technology campuses. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Technical University of Munich to support the development of the technological cluster.

gmp Architects presented the preliminary concept masterplan and opened discussions on infrastructure during a consultation led by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

gmp Architects met with Armenian students, educators, and other stakeholders to discuss ideas and get feedback on the Project and its details.

A conference was held to present the concept and invite proposals for merging state branches and research organizations.

Representatives of the Academic City Fund, gmp Architects and the Football Federation of Armenia discussed plans for a stadium within the city that follows international standards.

The Armenian Government allocated funds for the initial design and research of the Academic City Project. German gmp international architectural companystarted designing the concept masterplan.

An Armenian delegation visited the University of Arts London to learn about its arts colleges and the experience of their merger. During the visit, a collaboration agreement has been signed between the Higher Education and Science Committee and the University of Arts London.

The concept for the Academic City Project was officially approved. This outlined the key objectives of the Project, including the academic clusters, planned number of students and staff, and the necessary infrastructure to support a high-quality educational and research environment.

A needs assessment was conducted by the Academic City Fund, which involved visiting participating universities and scientific organizations to collect data about the existing infrastructure and specific requirements to support the future development of the Academic City.

The site for Academic City was selected in the 17th district of Yerevan, at the intersection of Aragatsotn, Kotayk, and Armavir regions. This location will serve as the hub for Armenia’s future academic and research community.

The Armenian Government approved the creation of the “Academic City” Fund, which is responsible for designing and constructing a modern academic environment focused on high-quality education and research.