1000 & 1 lucky covers: Manholes are replaced in Yerevan
“1000 & 1 lucky covers for EVN” Urban Art Project has kicked off in Yerevan. The aim of the project is to replace old, broken and dangerous sewer covers with new ones. It also aims to beautify the environment for citizens, make the Armenian capital a pleasant and attractive place for tourists and contribute to the development of contemporary urban art.
Within the framework of the project the first colorful manhole cover dedicated to Aram Khachatryan’s Gayane ballet has been installed in the territory of the Opera House. Over 50 manholes based on Armenian music themes will add new aesthetic impetus to the area under the project.
“Manholes are an integral part of our city. You can see them at every turn – on the sidewalks, streets and even unexpected corners of the city. And if their existence in the streets is quite natural because of their functions, manholes on the sidewalks and square should be the fit the design of the city. By and large, manholes can be works of art and can even become one of the symbols of the city.
Yerevan is a beautiful city with great architecture, yet the sewer covers in the city are dated and old, and very unattractive. ImYerevan.com and Yerevan 2.0 incubator have decided to fill this gray gap and show a creative approach to a common urban element, which is a manhole,” says Gayane Manukyan, Director of ImYerevan.com website.
The concepts for manhole covers will be implemented in 4 different styles:
historical (old coins or ornaments)
modern art (illustrations and graphic design)
navigation (directions to famous places in Yerevan)
education (interesting facts, phrases, or famous quotes)
Top designers from Yerevan will be working on the concepts, including Vahan Balasanyan, Vadz Ghazaryan, Nona Isajanian, William Karapetyan, Ruben Malayan and others
