KAOS Architects convert former submarine factory into arts centre
The Kai Art Center, designed by KAOS Architects, has opened in a former submarine production plant in Tallinn, Estonia.
Originally built in 1916 to house workshops for shipbuilding, the building was used for the construction of 12 submarines between 1913 and 1917. Split across two floors, it is made of reinforced concrete and has a curved roof that gives the centre one of its most notable features – a 6m (20ft)-high ceiling in its exhibition space, which covers 450sq m (4,900sq ft) of the top floor of the building.
Discussing the original design of the building, KAOS Architects told CLAD: "The reinforced concrete monolithic frame structure of the building of early 20th-century industrial architecture is very thin, beautiful and avant-garde. The curved reinforced concrete roof and 6m high ceilings have given us the possibility to create spacious exhibition rooms with a large amount of natural light. Many elements have been left in their original state. A huge skylight in the middle of the gallery casts shifting patterns of light into space throughout the day."
The centre also accommodates a 100-seat auditorium and education space, working space for local arts organisations and accommodation for visiting curators, artists and critics. Elsewhere, there is office-space, a number of conference rooms and a restaurant with accompanying food studios in which classes and workshops will be held.
Discussing the conversion of the building, KAOS told CLAD: "We know how to preserve old buildings, but what we add is always contemporary – we are not replicating. We wish to balance functionality with preservation. Additions are discreet, yet not without careful aesthetic consideration.
"Corner strip lights illuminate the new concrete and steel staircase, echoing the existing industrialism, while the slim concrete beams of the roof have been painted a light grey colour, and layered with acoustic panels to soften the sounds. Meanwhile, other elements have been left in their original state. Also, one structural wall in one of the offices has been left partially unpainted, revealing layers of patterned and decaying wallpaper."
Karin Laansoo, director of the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center, which spearheaded the project, said: "Kai is a much-needed new type of contemporary art center in Tallinn. In an increasingly active art scene like Tallinn’s, the center’s support for grass-roots organizations and an exhibition space purpose-built for contemporary art will fill a big gap. Remarkable also because of its unique industrial history and location, Kai is driven by the vision of bringing together local synergy and international collaboration."
The area of Noblessner, in which which the centre is located, was only made accessible again to the public recently, having been restricted for a century due to the military activities that took place there.
The Kai Art Center is funded by Enterprise Estonia (European Regional Development Fund), BLRT Group and Lindermann, Birnbaum & Kasela. The design process was started in 2018, with the centre completed last month.
KAOS Architects Tallinn Estonia arts
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
