CHYBIK + KRISTOF transforms a former textile factory into a new cultural hub

CHYBIK + KRISTOF transforms a former textile factory into a new cultural hub

In the heart of Ústí nad Orlicí, in the Czech Republic, the project by CHYBIK + KRISTOF (CHK) will transform a former textile factory into a cultural center. The city has launched a design competition for a new cultural and exhibition hub, capable of enriching the cultural identity of Usti nad Orlici, in the recovered spaces of the former Perlou factory. Following the decline of the prosperous textile industry in the 20th century, the factory was closed and demolished in 2017; only three buildings, including a production unit designed by the Czech architect Pavel Janak, have been saved.

cover: CHK, Pearl Gallery, architectural visualization; credits CHYBIK+KRISTOF (CHK)

Historical photograph of the Perlou Factory; credits Lucáš Prokeš

CHK, Pearl Gallery, architectural visualization; credits CHYBIK+KRISTOF (CHK)

The proposal of CHK, winner of the competition, envisages a new 3,200-sqm building complex with three exhibition spaces: the main hall reinvented as a white space hosting major exhibitions, an additional black box space, and a gallery overlooking the main hall; this last mezzanine area, designed as a ‘textile cabinet’ in homage to the building’s history, can easily be visually separated from the main hall increasing flexibility for curatorial purposes.
The old chimney transformed into a landmark visible from afar, and the textures of the wall brought back to their original condition refer to the historical memory of the factory and dialogue with the shiny metal surfaces chosen by CHK to communicate the contemporary spirit of the place. The new Perlou Gallery (Pearl Gallery), therefore, proposes itself as a new meeting space for the community and as a cultural pole capable of activating the surrounding area to encourage social interaction in the neighborhood.

CHK, Pearl Gallery, drawings; credits CHYBIK+KRISTOF (CHK)

CHK, Pearl Gallery, the gallery overlooking the main hall, architectural visualization; credits CHYBIK+KRISTOF (CHK). Above, the current condition of the space; credits Město Ústí nad Orlicí.

CHK, Pearl Gallery, architectural visualizations; credits CHYBIK+KRISTOF (CHK)

Historical photograph of the Perlou Factory; credits Město Ústí nad Orlicí.

About CHYBIK + KRISTOF
CHYBIK + KRISTOF is an architecture and urban design practice founded in 2010 by Ondrej Chybik and Michal Kristof. Operating with 50+ international team members and offices in Prague, Brno, and Bratislava, the practice aims at creating bridges between private and public space, transcending generations and societal spheres. Taking into account local histories and environmental specificities, the studio works on a wide array of projects, ranging from urban developments to public and residential buildings. Recent projects include the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2015 (Milan, Italy), Lahofer Winery (Czech Republic), Zvonarka bus station (CZ), and a multipurpose arena in Jihlava (CZ). The studio has been awarded a number of prizes, including the 2019 Design Vanguard Award from Architectural Record, and was recently amongst the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies 2019 40 Under 40 Award winners. (chybik-kristof.com)
Credits:
Photos: Lukáš Prokeš, Město Ústí nad Orlicí
Illustrations: Hanna Hajda
Team:
Ondřej Chybík, Michal Krištof, Lucie Skořepová, Hanna Hajda, Urszula Sędziak, Ela Siwiec, Zuzana Pelikánová, Jiří Richter, Markéta Pavlunová, Martin Holý