Izhevsk Factory
Main Building

A city stemming out of a metallurgical plant as its point of inception, the paradox of Izhevsk is that, with the old technological processes inevitably becoming outdated, its foundational core is steadily fading into obscurity. Our proposal shows how introduction of new functional scenarios may restore this remarkable building to its proper central role in the city.
Our method is based on linking the disjointed parts of the factory into a single uninterrupted pathway and filling it with new contents. By removing some of the late elements of its structure such as post-war upper floors and concrete framing we vacate sufficient space for large-scale functions, including a concert hall and temporary exhibition rooms. New stairs, ramps and escalators provide vertical coherence for the laboratory complex, the engineering museum and the large co-working space with a café and a bookstore.
New entry points at both the ground and embankment levels will maximise the building’s accessibility, giving it an additional surface of interaction with the city and infusing it with a steady flow of visitors. By unveiling the old water supply arches and creating roof terraces on top of the intermediate blocks, we reveal to the public the pure spatial splendour of the factory courtyard.