KOGAA converts industrial shed into art gallery in Czech Republic
A disused machinery factory transforms into contemporary art space through minimal interventions.
1Where industrial heritage meets art
Czech architecture studio KOGAA has transformed an abandoned industrial shed within Brno's Šmeral machinery factory complex into Šmeral Art Factory, a contemporary art venue. As the first intervention in a broader plan to enhance the area's cultural diversity and urban connectivity, the project preserves existing steel trusses painted mint green while introducing new public functions. The adaptive reuse strategy maintains the building's industrial character while serving contemporary cultural needs.
2Authentic details through local craftsmanship
The central bar area was constructed using materials and fabrication techniques from neighboring Šmeral factory's turbine production lines. By collaborating with local manufacturers, the design team embedded the region's industrial identity into the space. Clad in white corrugated metal, this bar element physically manifests the project's philosophy of 'creating new value through existing resources.' This approach celebrates local skills while reducing the carbon footprint of new material production.
3The story behind the color palette
The dominant mint green hue pays homage to historical green finishes that once characterized the factory buildings. This color recurs throughout the space - from structural elements to wall-mounted ventilation chimneys. Original metal light fixtures were preserved and retrofitted with LED technology. The thoughtful color scheme creates a visual bridge between the building's industrial past and its contemporary cultural function, establishing continuity within transformation.
4Versatile event programming
The 1,200 sqm complex features multiple flexible spaces: a performance area under mint-green steel canopy created by extending the original roof, temporary exhibition walls with hanging systems at the southern end, and an outdoor yard marked by Brno's first legal graffiti wall for installations and events. This spatial diversity allows the venue to host exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings simultaneously, maximizing public engagement.
5A model for urban regeneration
The project serves as a catalyst for Šmeral complex's gradual transformation, demonstrating how strategic architectural interventions can activate underutilized industrial zones. KOGAA co-founder Alexandra Georgescu emphasizes,
6Unlocking industrial potential
KOGAA proves how small-scale but strategic interventions can reveal hidden value in overlooked industrial structures. The project stands as an inspirational case study for neighboring property owners and stakeholders. Georgescu notes,
7Global adaptive reuse precedents
This project joins international examples like Japan's Teshima Factory (converted into cafe/brewery by Schemata Architects using turquoise-green palette) that demonstrate successful industrial heritage revitalization. Šmeral Art Factory represents the Czech Republic's contribution to this growing global movement that values preservation over demolition, recognizing the cultural and environmental value of existing structures.
8Sustainable architecture principles
KOGAA's minimal intervention philosophy prioritizes reuse of existing structural elements over new construction materials. The project presents an environmentally conscious model that minimizes carbon footprint while supporting local economy. This approach reflects increasingly adopted sustainable design principles in global architecture, showcasing how creative adaptation can achieve both cultural relevance and ecological responsibility in urban regeneration projects.