Provision of Consultancy Services for the Development of the Organization and Design of Museum and Cultural Spaces at the Dvin and Dashtadem Sites

Project: P504282 - Armenia Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Project Reference: TRIP-CQS-02 Procurement method: Consultant Qualification Selection Financing: World Bank TRIP-CQS-02 TERMS OF REFERENCE Provision of Consulting Services for the Planning and Design Development of the Dvin and Dashtadem Museum and Cultural Sites under the Implementation of TRIP-DP-01 and TRIP-DP-02 Subprojects in the Republic of Armenia BACKGROUND The Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Program (TRIP) aims to promote Armenia’s tourism potential through targeted infrastructure and non-infrastructure investments in a number of regions. The Program will support seven out of the twenty identified tourism clusters, focusing on wine, wellness, adventure, cultural, educational, and ecotourism in the regions of Ararat, Vayots Dzor, Shirak, Tavush, and Syunik. Within the framework of the Program, access to the identified clusters will be improved, and infrastructure at tourism destinations will be developed. The Program also seeks to leverage Armenia’s natural resources and human potential by developing the entrepreneurial and professional skills of residents of neighboring communities, with the aim of maximizing employment opportunities. In addition, the TRIP Program is aligned with the World Bank’s approach to attracting private investment to these tourism clusters. The infrastructure investment component of the TRIP Program includes the construction of new public buildings, including museum buildings; the restoration and preservation of historical and cultural monuments; the revitalization of the urban environment of historic towns and villages, including the restoration of building façades, public spaces, museums, and roads; as well as the improvement of cultural and natural heritage sites, including ensuring their accessibility and appropriate presentation. Under the World Bank’s Local Economy and Infrastructure Development (LEID) Project , which preceded the Tourism and Regional Infrastructure (TRIP) Program, designs for the museum buildings at the Dvin archaeological site and Dashtadem Fortress were developed and approved in 2024. Based on these designs, construction works will be implemented under the TRIP Program. Under the TRIP Program, in parallel with the work of the museum specialist, the design documentation will be updated, the cost estimate will be recalculated based on current prices, and the accompanying documentation will be updated, including the Architectural Planning Assignment (APA), technical specifications, expert examination conclusions, approvals, and other relevant documents . The revision of the design will be carried out through the conclusion of a direct contract with the original design author. At present, within the framework of the TRIP Program, it is necessary to develop conceptual approaches for the organization of the museum environment and exhibitions for the museums at the Dvin and Dashtadem archaeological sites, including exhibition design, taking into consideration their respective missions, visions, and objectives. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT Objective of the Assignment The objective of the assignment is to: Dvin: Present the archaeological museum of Dvin and the preserved monuments of the archaeological site of the “Capital of Dvin” to tourists by creating a culturally rich and, at the same time, scientific and educational environment that is historically grounded while incorporating modern amenities and design, archaeological exhibits, and historical reconstructions. Proposed museum type: Archaeological Museum. Dashtadem: Determine the type and content of the Dashtadem Museum; develop and collect exhibits; plan interactive activities and festivals; recreate historical events using the entire area of the large fortress; and incorporate all structures of the restored fortress into programs featuring reenactments of historical episodes and military-sport games. Proposed museum type: Military-Historical Museum, though a broader historical scope could also be suggested (subject to further discussion) . Expected Results of the Assignment The expected result of the assignment is the establishment of operational archaeological and military-historical museums at Dvin and Dashtadem , respectively, featuring: Exhibitions developed on a sound scientific basis; Modern lighting and design; Information delivered through multimedia tools; A management system compliant with modern museum standards, including digitized databases and appropriate conditions for the preservation, conservation/restoration, and display of exhibits; Increased tourist visitation and increased tourism-generated revenues. SCOPE OF SERVICES The scope of consulting services is divided into three phases: Phase 1. Preliminary Study, Collection Assessment and Documentation, and Development of the Exhibition Concept and Layout Plans This phase shall include a preliminary study of the sites and museums, assessment and documentation of the exis