The Site
Fabrika is located in a historic neighborhood which has been a central but less popular part of the city. Before the revitalization of the place, the building of the sewing factory that was operating during the soviet time was abandoned for the decades with no use to the neighborhood and society. The district was also unpopular as the destination for travelers or locals. The starting point was to analyze the urban context where the project could bring multiple benefits for the area: increase its publicity and influence the economic and social life of the neighborhood. Creation of a new hotspot and thus, improving the attractiveness of the area was one of the main objectives.
Fabrika has become unique experience for Tbilisi in the conceptual, architectural, urban and social perspective. It’s the first attempt to create the similar development locally, which had an immediate effect on the neighborhood transforming it into popular artistic and hipster district.
Design & Architecture
MUA (Multiverse Architecture) and Adjara Group Hospitality - partnered up and transformed the building into the thought-provoking alternative space. Once a soviet sewing factory has been revived and transformed into the multi-functional urban space – Fabrika - bringing together like-minded individuals. It has quickly become an alternative place of gathering in Tbilisi for both locals and travelers. Here they are welcome to create and share, co-work, learn, socialize or even have a sleepover.
The interior design details and surfaces have the esthetics of the time when the building was functioning as the sewing factory. The walls are left bare, the ceilings and the floors are left untouched where possible. Even the old appliances found on the site are reused as the design elements. The result is a building with an industrial look that is integrated into the urban context organically. The facade is largely intact and is used as the perfect surface for street art. Three distinctive building blocks create the welcoming rectangular courtyard that has easily/quickly become a trendy gathering spot for travelers and local people. The staircase, which is a steel structure covered with plywood, plays the central role in the interior. Apart from the basic function, it gives the opportunity to explore the environment from different viewpoints.
The hostel room atmosphere gives the impression of the industrial setting. The lobby is a cozy, inspiring space full of comfortable furniture, old traditional rugs and enormous plants. The design includes new entrances and circulation, enabling accessibility for disabled and solutions for energy efficient MEP systems. The architecture and design of Fabrika Tbilisi is based on authenticity and cultural diversity. It is a case of a successful architecture with a real urban impact. The existing building of the Soviet era sewing factory had its own distinct spirit. That is why the architects chose to preserve and augment the energy of the space. The challenge was to implement a functional space program and rational circulation within the existing envelope. In the detail level, it was important to apply changes only where it was unavoidable to achieve the coherent adaptation. The minimum intervention is made in the interior design.
Program
Fabrika Hostel offers its guests the flexibility to choose between shared dormitories, standard private rooms and Apartment style suites – in total, up to 400 beds. Today Fabrika is the most popular urban hotspot that unites its 22 Residents in one spirit - cafes and bars, artist studios, shops, educational institutions, co-working space and the biggest hostel in the region. Residents of Fabrika are creating Fabrika’s artistic soul. The vibes loved by visitors come from the members of its community. Here one can find like-minded individuals with different tastes, styles, age or social status. The open courtyard is the hub for socializing. Evenings are packed and noisy here.
