RE-ENVISIONING HISTORY:
THE TRANSFORMATION OF KYIV’S FIRST BREWERY
A 6,000m² industrial landmark reborn as Ukraine's leading cultural hub
Overview
∄ transformed Ukraine's first historical brewery into a multifunctional cultural center, preserving industrial heritage while creating space for contemporary art, music, and community. Working with Studio Karhard Berlin, we developed an architectural concept that honored the building's history while establishing a new cultural landmark for Kyiv, drawing over 70,000 visitors annually before the war.
The Vision
The brewery transformation began with a radical vision: to preserve a neglected industrial monument while creating Ukraine's most forward-thinking cultural space. Rather than erasing history, the architectural approach emphasised revealing the building's inherent character and industrial beauty. By carefully balancing preservation with contemporary intervention, the project aimed to create a space where Ukraine's cultural past and future could coexist in productive tension, reflecting Kyiv's evolving identity as a European cultural center.
The Challenges
Renovating a historical industrial structure in Kyiv presented unique challenges that demanded innovative solutions. The 6,000m² complex required extensive structural reinforcement while preserving characteristic industrial elements. Working within Ukraine's evolving building regulations required constant adaptation and close collaboration with local authorities. By embracing these constraints as creative opportunities, the project established new precedents for adaptive reuse in post-Soviet urban contexts, demonstrating how industrial heritage can be meaningfully integrated into contemporary cultural infrastructure.
The Collaboration
The architectural vision was realized through close collaboration with Berlin-based Studio Karhard, known for their work on legendary spaces like Berghain. This cross-cultural partnership brought together German technical expertise with deep understanding of Ukrainian context, creating a design language that transcended conventional categories. The collaborative process extended beyond architects to include local craftspeople, artists, and community stakeholders, ensuring the space would authentically serve Kyiv's cultural ecosystem while maintaining international design standards.
The Result
The completed transformation delivered a multi-functional complex including performance venues, exhibition spaces, artist studios, and public gathering areas. The architectural approach emphasised flexible, adaptable spaces that could evolve with changing cultural needs. Original brewing equipment was preserved and integrated as sculptural elements, while new technical infrastructure enabled world-class sound, lighting, and environmental systems. The resulting space balanced raw industrial character with precise contemporary interventions, creating an atmosphere that was simultaneously authentic to its history and oriented toward future possibilities.
Impact
Beyond its architectural significance, the brewery transformation catalyzed Kyiv's broader cultural ecosystem, providing infrastructure for a new generation of Ukrainian artists and creators. The space quickly became an internationally recognized venue hosting over 90 events annually and drawing more than 70,000 visitors in 2021 alone. By demonstrating how historical industrial architecture could be reimagined for contemporary cultural use, the project influenced subsequent urban development in Kyiv and established new standards for adaptive reuse across Eastern Europe
Related Projects in Kyiv
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Non Dual Event Series
Conceptualised and produced an innovative performance series combining live piano with AI-driven visualisations that responded to audio impulses. This groundbreaking format created immersive experiences that bridged classical musicianship with cutting-edge technology, attracting new audiences during the COVID pandemic.
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Community Building (Xitb)
Established ∄ as a vital community hub in Kyiv, creating safe and inclusive spaces for creative expression during a period of significant social change. Implemented outreach programs and accessibility initiatives that expanded the center's impact beyond its physical location.
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РІДНЕ (Ridne)
РІДНЕ [RIDNE, Ukrainian for ‘native’ or ‘dear’] is a series of audiovisual works initiated by the Ukrainian music label Standard Deviation and the AV channel Remote Control from 2023.
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