Tashkent's Contemporary Art Center Transforms Historic Industrial Building

The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has opened in a repurposed industrial structure originally built in 1912 during the Tsarist era. French architects Karl Fournier and Olivier Marty, founders of Studio KO, led the transformation of the former diesel storage facility that once supplied the city's tram lines. The architects, who first visited the site in March 2021, were struck by the building's monumental basilica-like proportions and spiritual atmosphere. They worked with heritage architect Nathalie d'Artigues to preserve the original 1912 sections while removing later additions that disrupted the harmony. The complex now features two main structures: a public reception building with preserved facades and a library, and the retained 'Diesel Station' housing exhibition spaces and an auditorium, connected via an underground staircase. A mirrored stainless steel gateway serves as a transitional element, opening to a courtyard designed for outdoor film screenings and events. The design incorporates local materials including Nikolai bricks, zinc roofing, stainless steel, terrazzo, and pink-tinted glass. Studio KO collaborated with Uzbek artisans for interior elements: ceramic work by Atelier Rakhimov, a handwoven carpet from near Samarkand, and furniture crafted by regional woodworkers. A separate artist residency, Residency Namuna, was established in a traditional mahalla neighborhood near a 16th-century madrassa, featuring five bedrooms and a courtyard. The project aims to balance historical preservation with contemporary architecture, serving as a cultural hub that reflects both local heritage and modern creativity.