from factory to pearl gallery: a new art hub in the czech republic

the future pearl gallery by CHYBIK + KRISTOF

CHYBIK + KRISTOF (CHK) reveals its winning design proposal to transform a former textile factory into a new contemporary art gallery and cultural space at the heart of Usti nad Orlici in the Czech Republic. Set to become the future Pearl Gallery, the project presents itself as the city’s new contemporary art hub, expanding its existing cultural infrastructure and forming a unique creative environment — all while paying tribute to its industrial past.

Following a decline in the prosperous textile industry during the 20th and 21st centuries, the former Pearl factory was shut down in 2009 and ever since, its vast facilities began shrinking in size. Only the three most prized buildings remained: a production building designed by renowned Czech architect Pavel Janak, an office extension of the block, and a machine building from the 19th century. In reconceptualizing the restoration of the factory’s remains, CHK divided the existing mass into two buildings, providing the future gallery with multiple functions and creating new public pathways and spaces between the buildings.

all images courtesy of CHYBIK + KRISTOF

a vibrant, communal space that pays homage to the past

Spanning 3,200 sqm, the newly divided areas by CHK form three exhibition spaces, each carefully designed to fulfill a particular purpose. Stretching across the prominent area of the right wing, the main exhibition hall is reimagined as a white box space set to house the main exhibitions. To the left is a connected space accessible through a small entrance, accommodating a black box space. Finally, surrounding the main hall from above is a balcony gallery designed as a textile cabinet paying homage to the building’s history. This mezzanine space can be easily divided and separated from the main hall with curtains, increasing flexibility for future curatorial purposes.

CHK utilized crucial construction elements through design preservation and restoration to maintain Pearl’s architectural memory and existing material. The studio stripped certain existing surfaces back to reveal the original material’s uneven texture resurfacing its former splendor. At the same time, additional construction elements, such as tiles and railings, are treated and covered with a polished, metallic sheet that embraces the place’s revitalized spirit. CHK also enriched the industrial chimney, deprived of its primary function, with a reflective pearl motif — becoming a new landmark and a beacon of its namesake, visible even from distant parts of the area.

As part of its multifaceted cultural expansion, Pearl Gallery acts as a new meeting place for the community – activating the surrounding area and public space to foster social interaction in the gallery and its surrounding neighborhood. More specifically, the site sees the addition of a new public courtyard at the forefront of the building, united by the cafe – a vital link between the vibrant main street and a calming urban interior.

using metal sheets to create pearl-like motifs

‘Pearl Gallery’s design sees an increased development in the urban fabric, designed to elevate local culture by weaving together and upcycling its architectural past and creating a new future in the form of a vital arts district for the city,’ comments CHK co-founder Ondrej Chybik. Underpinned by a forward-thinking design and respect for the building’s original heritage, Pearl Gallery showcases the vital role of architectural transformation as a focal point in any cultural and social revitalization.

a new cultural art hub in the heart of the city