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Yerevan at an Urbanism Crossroads: Tackling Transit, Housing, and Sustainability Challenges in Armenia’s Capital

Writer's picture: The Friendly UrbanistThe Friendly Urbanist

Yerevan, a city known for its pink tuff buildings and vibrant café culture, now faces a seismic shift in its urban landscape: public transport fares have increased markedly as of January 1, 2025. Alongside this, skyrocketing housing costs—exacerbated since the Russian invasion of Ukraine—present another key challenge. This article delves into Yerevan, the 2800-year-old Armenian capital's unique urbanism, housing and transit, and its pressing challenges as the country’s sole major urban hub.

 

Cityscape under a sunset sky with snow-capped Ararat mountains in the background. Warm orange glow on buildings. Calm and picturesque.
Mount Ararat overlooking Yerevan, Armenia - Photo by Aleksandr Popov on Unsplash

Public Transit: Strides and Setbacks

The Yerevan Metro, a single north-south line of 10 stations, exemplifies Soviet-era ambition with its monumental architecture and recorded nearly 30 million riders in 2023. While its affordability and central location make it a key asset, the system lacks adequate coverage. Major residential districts remain disconnected, leaving many dependent on overcrowded minibuses, which have become the city’s de facto transportation network. Plans for a second metro line and additional stations have stalled for decades, reflecting challenges in expanding this crucial infrastructure.

Yet the metro does succeed in connecting some of the city’s most vital areas. Republic Square and Yeridasartagan station, for example, serve not just as transit nodes but as anchors for leisure and culture, situated near bustling cafes, university districts, and landmarks like the National Ballet and Opera Theatre. Meanwhile, stations like Garegin Njdeh and Charbakh offer access to major employment hubs. While this highlights the metro’s potential, the broader public transit network remains inadequate for a growing city facing worsening congestion.

Yerevan’s terrain further complicates transit planning. Unlike the flat layouts of Moscow or Kyiv, its hilly topography and unique urban layout defy the Soviet triangle model, requiring tailored solutions. Despite these hurdles, Yerevan’s Green City Action Plan envisions upgrading buses, extending metro coverage, and promoting active transportation to create a cleaner, more accessible system. Progress, however, has been gradual, with more visible results still years away.


Housing Costs: A Growing Crisis

Housing in Yerevan faces unprecedented pressure. Up until 2022, much of this was driven by diaspora investments, as Armenians abroad purchased property as secondary residences or vacation homes. While this influx boosted the housing market, it also rendered homes unaffordable for many residents. Regional workers, in particular, have found housing prices out of reach, and inequality is stark in areas like the Kond district, where slum-like conditions coexist with the broader rise in property values.


Aerial view of a dense, circular urban area surrounded by streets and buildings. Lush greenery visible in the top left corner.
Densely packed Kond District, central Yerevan. - Google Maps.

The Russian war in Ukraine intensified this crisis, with an estimated 100,000 Russians arriving in Armenia in 2022 to escape sanctions and geopolitical instability. This influx—a 10% population increase in a city of one million—drove rental prices up by over 30% in just three years, displacing locals from affordable options. With few regulations to manage these changes, social equity in housing remains a major challenge.

Addressing this issue requires a multipronged approach, including affordable housing policies, incentives for sustainable development, and better urban planning. Without these measures, Yerevan risks deepening social divides and losing its affordability for everyday residents.

People walk in sunny Republic Square with historic buildings and arched windows. Blue sky with clouds above. A sense of leisure and activity.
Republic Square, Yerevan - Photo by SnapSaga on Unsplash

Environmental Challenges and Opportunities

Aerial view of Yerevan's cityscape with dense buildings, roads, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky, conveying a serene atmosphere.
Yerevan, Armenia - Gentron (Central) District -

Yerevan’s environmental struggles are most evident in its traffic-clogged streets and air pollution. Republic Square, a central hub, regularly experiences gridlock, worsened by aging vehicles that contribute to poor air quality. Thermal power plants operating within the city limits are another source of air pollution, emitting greenhouse gases and particulate matter that exacerbate respiratory issues. The presence of these plants underscores the urgent need for cleaner energy solutions and more sustainable infrastructure.

Compounding the issue, waste management remains underdeveloped, with most trash ending up in landfills like Nubarashen. Recycling initiatives are limited, leaving the city far behind global standards.

The Green City Action Plan, however, presents a vision for a more sustainable Yerevan. Plans include creating new green spaces, improving waste management, and increasing energy efficiency in public buildings. Parks like Lovers’ Park and the Cascade Gardens offer a glimpse of what a greener city might look like, providing residents with places to relax and escape urban density. Active transportation, while still underdeveloped, has gained traction among some citizens as a healthier, more eco-friendly alternative.

Aerial view of a lit Thermal Power Plant at dusk, with bright lights highlighting buildings and a red-striped smokestack, set in a dark cityscape.
Yerevan Combined Cycle Gas Power Plant - image courtesy of renco.it

While these efforts are promising, they require significant public involvement and funding to make a tangible impact. The transformation of Yerevan into a cleaner, greener, and more livable space will take years of sustained commitment from both policymakers and residents.


Balancing Heritage and Modernization

Yerevan’s charm lies in its mix of ancient history and Soviet-era modernism, yet this duality also creates tensions. The debate over preserving heritage versus embracing modernization has become a recurring theme in the city’s development.

One notable example is the old provincial government building in central Yerevan. Built in the early 1900s, it once housed Armenia’s first government and served as a symbol of independence. However, renovations and extensions—particularly those facing Melik-Adamyan Street—have diluted its historical character. Today, the building accommodates private businesses, including a Tashir Pizza branch, sparking criticism that commercial use undermines its cultural significance.

This debate underscores a broader challenge for Yerevan: how to honor its architectural and cultural heritage while meeting the demands of a modern city. Striking tis balance is essential to preserving the city’s identity and ensuring it remains an inspiring place for future generations.



Looking Ahead

Despite its challenges, Yerevan offers immense potential. Its iconic architecture, vibrant public spaces, and cultural landmarks make it a unique and captivating city. Addressing housing affordability, improving transit, and prioritizing sustainability are critical steps toward a more equitable and livable urban environment.

Through thoughtful planning and active community engagement, Yerevan can build on its rich history to create a city that thrives in the 21st century—one where residents and visitors alike can enjoy its pink tuff charm, bustling café culture, and evolving urban landscape.




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Nora Arouchian
Nora Arouchian
a day ago
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Such an interesting read!

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