FUTURA

Courtesy of © MAKHNO Studio

FUTURA THE BLACK PEARL OF ARCHITECTURE

• Architects

FUTURA is an uncompromising example of an office building in the third millennium. A lot of bold decisions, starting with the colour and ending with the rooftop garden. FUTURA challenges the ordinary and mundane, setting unprecedented standards for Ukrainian architecture.

photo_credit Courtesy of © MAKHNO Studio — Courtesy of © MAKHNO Studio

CHALLENGE: MAKHNO Studio specialists were faced with the task of creating an architectural concept for the headquarters of one of the largest Ukrainian industrial enterprises in the field of metallurgy. We decided to convey the character and status of the enterprise in its appearance. Saving space was also a challenge, as we wanted to create an oasis of nature and relaxation in the midst of the urban sprawl, but there was no space for it beforehand.

SPACE IS NOT A SET OF OBJECTS, BUT A SET OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THEM

When designing FUTURA, we thought in terms of ecosystems, not individual objects or elements. Our basis was nature-centeredness, architecture as a continuation of the landscape, and design as an embodiment of natural principles. Therefore, we chose black as the predominant color in the project's aesthetics, as it is natural and reflects the essence of the client's business — the steel industry. Optimizing funds and processes, we proposed to rebuild the building envelope with light and unpretentious, but visually striking components: sheet metal ventilated facade modules on the central building plus structures made of I-beam, wood panels, metal, and glass on the side buildings.

In the middle of the square stands a giant DIDO, an original sculpture by MAKHNO Product. And on the roof of the central building is an urban garden. It is zoned and made up of many elements, such as cocoon gazebos, a sculpture alley, a fountain with a DUMA sculpture, and many other objects that add beauty and meditation to this place.

Thanks to the holistic vision of MAKHNO Studio specialists, the FUTURA architectural ensemble is impressive, but perfectly played and balanced.

"For us, the goal of the project was to create something non-standard and provocative, with an open space for studying, working, and relaxing. A new control point of the city, which could become a model for the future neighbours of the complex" comments the studio team.

FUTURA is a perfect illustration of the four principles of MAKHNO:

- art, because the entire complex is decorated with unique art objects and looks like a work of contemporary art;

- naturalness, because we created a real roof garden, balancing the surrounding urban landscape;

- traditions, because all sculptures, lamps, ceramics, and other objects are handmade in our workshops by craftsmen from artisan dynasties using authentic techniques. And the majestic "guardians" of this place, the DIDO sculptures, are the DNA of our culture and direct descendants of Ukrainian zoomorphic sculpture.

- innovations, because the project looks ultra-modern and futuristic, and we offer many innovative solutions combining elements, mounting structures, and more.

FUTURA has a unique charisma and energy that makes it the most daring architectural project in Ukraine and far beyond, proving the power of the new Ukrainian style to the whole world.