Planting trees, friendly gatherings, hot air balloon rides: how Goght Urban Valley created a new community

The people who gathered at Goght Urban Valley that day were truly happy

YEREVAN, 25 November. Novosti-Armenia. This Saturday, 22 November, will be remembered for a long time in Goght Urban Valley. More than 150 guests and future residents of the cottage town gathered here at the invitation of the leaders of this remarkable project to participate in an event modestly titled ‘tree planting.’ But in reality, this was only the prologue to the project authors' grand plan, as everyone present soon realised.

The opportunity to plant their own tree inspired everyone immensely. The guests enthusiastically set to work: they put on the gloves provided, armed themselves with spades and watering cans, and got to work!

The children were most delighted; finally, they could dig in the earth, jump over bumps, and plant trees and bushes with their own hands. The owner of the house tied a tag with a wish to each tree. Each wish was unique and secret, but, of course, kind and emotional.  

The leaders of the Goght Urban Valley project, Movses Dzavarian, Hrayr Melkonyan, and Marcos Garibyan, revealed another secret: the event was also organised so that future residents could get to know each other. A community of like-minded people is the cornerstone of the project's concept.  The people who will live in the village will become not just neighbours, but good friends. In addition, everyone had the opportunity to talk to architects, engineers and builders and ask questions.

The tree planting smoothly transitioned into a friendly gathering in nature and at the home of one of the village residents, who kindly offered his home to his future neighbours. What kind of celebration would it be without fragrant Armenian wine and deliciously fragrant arisa, without our traditional treats and exquisite desserts!

The cosy atmosphere and unique character of the space were enhanced by the works of artist Ani Hovak and vintage furniture from Studio995.

As it turned out, the surprises from the organisers did not end there. On their initiative, Skyball gave everyone present a fantastic experience of flying in a hot air balloon with the Goght Urban Valley logo. What else can you call such a miracle as the opportunity to see your future home from a bird's eye view against the backdrop of a fiery sunset, framed by velvety mountains.

The delightful feast smoothly transitioned into a gathering around the bonfire, where the audience became active participants in the cultural programme. Everyone sang and danced along with the Nexus Centre for Arts with great pleasure. It is noteworthy that not only Armenians sang and danced, but also people of other nationalities - future residents of Goght Urban Valley. After all, it is very difficult to stay on the sidelines when lively Armenian music is playing.

As noted by dendrologist Zoya Dutova, who is involved in landscaping the residential complex, each person's well-being depends on an environment that suits them. People feel happy when they find their dream home, where they can live surrounded by their loved ones, doing what they love. "The same rule applies in nature — every living creature lives and thrives only in conditions that are optimal for it, which are created through complex connections between living and non-living nature" she said.

The people who gathered at Goght Urban Valley that day were truly happy. They had found their dream home, found like-minded people, found that corner of Armenia where, according to Movses Dzavarian, nature, architecture and love come together.