Reviving Tashkent’s Industrial Heritage
In the heart of Old Tashkent, Studio KO has reimagined a 1912 tram depot into the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA Tashkent), marking Uzbekistan’s first permanent venue for contemporary art. As a cultural center, this transformation is led by Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF). The center boasts exhibition spaces, a library, workshops, and artist residencies, using the original industrial framework as a base for rich cultural programming.
A Historical Touch with Modern Adaptations
Designed by Wilhelm Heinzelmann, the building originally served Tashkent’s tramway line and has remained a part of the city’s electricity network for over a century. Now entrusted to the ACDF since 2019, Studio KO retains its character while modernizing it for art showcases. The main diesel station now hosts central exhibitions, with renovations highlighting the original Imperial-era brickwork.
Integrating Tradition with Innovation
The architectural firm treats the industrial structure as an intrinsic part of the institution’s identity. By using traditional Uzbek materials and motifs, the building gains what the architects describe as a ‘new poetic life.’ Local artisans contributed to the restoration, employing local materials for concrete and commissioning tiles from Tashkent’s Rakhimov family ceramics studio.
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The Gallery: Inaugural Exhibition: Hikmah
Curated by Dr. Sara Raza, the exhibition “Hikmah” — meaning ‘wisdom’ in Arabic — brings together works by ten artists from Uzbekistan and beyond. This venue showcases pieces that explore themes interlinking contemporary practices with local histories and art traditions. Highlights include Muhannad Shono’s “Tower for a Single Breath” and Shokhrukh Rakhimov’s “The Colour of Silence, In Search of Truth.”
An Artistic Ecosystem
The integration extends beyond the gallery. The original administrative hub is now a bookshop and library focused on art history, world literature, and Oriental studies, while a courtyard hosts workshops and outdoor cinema experiences. This invites the public into a vibrant cultural dialogue within the industrial setting, solidifying its role as a creative nexus.
Striking Architectural Features
A dark, textured volume sits atop the restored facade, contrasting beautifully with the preserved brickwork. This visual dialogue continues indoors where exposed brick contrasts with new concrete elements, guiding visitors through the space via sculptural staircases and curved walls.
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Art and Space in Harmony
Inside, public spaces like the library and auditorium highlight warm materials, blending old and new. The library offers a vast collection with communal tables, fostering study and reflection. Meanwhile, indoor and outdoor spaces are adorned with custom furniture and patterned flooring, integrating art forms seamlessly into daily interactions as part of the function of the institution.
Connecting Past and Present
Within this renovated landscape, historical works from the State Museum of Arts of Karakalpakstan lead the conversation with contemporary productions, ensuring a continuing dialogue that respects cultural inheritance while fostering new artistic expressions in this cultural establishment.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent?
The Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA Tashkent) is Uzbekistan’s first permanent venue for contemporary art. It is located in a reimagined 1912 tram depot, featuring exhibition spaces, a library, workshops, and artist residencies.
Who led the transformation of the tram depot into an art center?
The transformation of the 1912 tram depot into the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent was led by Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF).
What is the inaugural exhibition at CCA Tashkent?
The inaugural exhibition at the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent is titled ‘Hikmah,’ curated by Dr. Sara Raza. It features works by ten artists from Uzbekistan and beyond, exploring themes that interlink contemporary practices with local histories and art traditions.