Location: Tbilisi, Gldani district, Kerchi str.
The following project represents the adaptation of the former Sewing-knitting factory in Gldani, built in the early 1970s, to house a Museum of Contemporary Arts. The project addresses a pressing global issue: the environmental impact of industrialization. The urbanization and deindustrialization of the 20th century have led to numerous abandoned industrial buildings. These buildings can either be demolished, contributing to construction waste, or repurposed, thereby reducing environmental harm. This project follows the latter approach by transforming the knitting factory into a multifunctional modern art museum. The museum not only revitalizes the Gldani region, which lacks cultural institutions, but also helps alleviate congestion in the city center by positioning a major cultural site in the suburbs. The factory's location within the territorial-structural zoning framework underscores the importance of establishing a high-quality public center in this area. The industrial aesthetic of the building is preserved, offering a dynamic, multifunctional space that transports visitors back to the historical context through the textures, shapes, and atmosphere of the original structure. The project site encompasses 42,660 square meters on Kerchi Street in the Gldani district. The terrain is quite inclined, which influences the spatial and planning characteristics of the building. The elevation ranges from 462.25 to 477.11 meters. Located along a regionally significant transportation route, the site is easily accessible by both private vehicles and public transport. The complex is designed to accommodate 3,500-4,000 visitors simultaneously. Both the building and the adjacent park are fully accessible for people with disabilities. A system of ramps has been integrated into the design, facilitating movement not only for wheelchair users but for all visitors who wish to experience the exhibitions comprehensively. The central part of the museum features extensive and versatile exhibition spaces, carefully designed to display contemporary art. The adaptable layout allows the museum to seamlessly integrate new exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, digital installations, and interactive exhibits. In addition to exhibition spaces, the building includes administrative and educational facilities. Education is a key focus of the project, with lecture halls and seminar rooms dedicated to fostering professional growth, idea exchange, and creative thinking. The building also houses cozy cafes and various social spaces, strategically placed to encourage discussion about the artworks on display. The primary structural system is a reinforced concrete frame, with reinforced concrete slabs forming the inter-floor roofing. The foundation is a point foundation. A new passage bridge/gallery, supported by two monolithic cores, has been added to the former factory structure as part of the adaptation. The bridge structure consists of steel trusses connected by transverse trusses and horizontal ties at the roof levels, with vertical ties formed by the transverse trusses. The project includes provisions for both open and closed parking. The open parking lot can accommodate up to 120 cars and buses, while the closed parking lot can hold up to 400 cars and 100 motorcycles or scooters. Bicycle and scooter parking is also available throughout the site. The building’s facades are primarily clad in copper-textured and dark green metal panels. A ventilated facade system with composite panels of varying textures has been implemented. Parts of the original building's details, such as processed concrete textures, natural stone arrangements, and black aluminum doors and windows, have been preserved. Atrium spaces feature zenith lighting, and vertical greenery is incorporated into sections of the facades. Innovative, energy-efficient technologies have been integrated into the project. Mobile solar panels on the roofs provide the building with electricity, and rainwater is collected in specialized tanks for irrigating the surrounding greenery. The building is also fully equipped with modern fire protection systems. Landscape architecture plays a vital role in the project, with temporary exhibitions organized in the building’s inner courtyards. The adjacent garden features an array of sculptures and installations, blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces and fostering a dialogue between nature and human creativity. Ultimately, this project breathes new life into a former industrial building, connecting past and future generations by transforming a rigid structure into a center of cultural heritage, knowledge, experience, and inspiration.
