ARTCOR | Maxim Calujac

ARTCOR - Creative Industries Center is situated in the heart of Chisinau, within the Art Academy (AMTAP) courtyard. The center aims to foster the growth of creative industries in Moldova and serve as a hub for such endeavors. The architectural design of the building takes into account the plot position, neighboring structures, and the presence of a 19th-century architectural monument.

The facility comprises a new 400 m² building and a portion of the old Academy building measuring 450 m². The site area previously occupied by an old storage and jerry-building covering 300 m² was cleared to create additional public space. The new building accommodates a mixed-use space for cultural and business purposes, including a second-floor space for workshops and startup collaborations. The green terrace on the roof offers access through open-air auditorium stairs oriented towards the Cazimir-Keshco residential monument.

The left part of the first floor of the Academy's building built in the 1950s houses workshops, media library, meeting rooms, administration offices, a book and design shop. The musical section, comprising sound recording space and rehearsal rooms, has been relocated to the refitted basement. The historical background was preserved as much as possible while creating a mixed-use space.

The architect transformed the courtyard into an active urban zone, accessible to all visitors. The landscaping features greenery and art installations, and the urban furniture appears as an art installation. The entrance from the driveway displays the sculpture "The Knowledge Tree," depicting the origin of creation. The courtyard plot is cut by the "Stone Rivers," serving as a stormwater sewer.

The new construction features a reinforced concrete volume covered with Corten steel. Bas-reliefs on the concrete façade symbolize human nature. The interior design focuses on the building's constructive structure, including a caisson ceiling, internal auditorium staircases, and tinted concrete walls. The author designed the furniture and part of the ceiling lighting specifically for this center. The architect collaborated closely with students, artists, and Academy's professors to create decorative elements for the center. The moderate interior design allows visitors to focus their attention on the exhibited artworks.

Design Team: Irina Dubinschi, Anton Brenici

Engineering: Anatol Butnaru, Valerii Bulanov, Evghenia Galcovscaia, Tudor Arhip, Andrei Bors

Artists: Vasile Sitari, Elena Frunze, Nadya Izosimova, Ana Costov, Vasiluța Vasilache, Alyona Ciobanu, Veronica Belous, Artiom Vizitiu, Maria Huțanu, Mihai Stamati, Andreea Cioară

Landscape: Maxim Calujac, Irina Dubinschi

Consultants: Alexandr Shevchenco

Photography: Volker Kreidler (https://volkerkreidler.de/), Oleg Bajura, Ivan Bezvusceac (bezvusceac.com), Etalpmet (https://etalpmet.com/en/)