Reboiler: Art & Community Space
Basic information
Project Title
Reboiler: Art & Community Space
Full project title
ransformation of the Boiler House into a Center for Science, Art, and Democracy in Truskavets
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
This project is a story of transforming space and social structures. A former boiler house is being turned into a cultural center, where each stage not only alters the architecture but also reshapes the social landscape. Through workshops, events, and collaboration with the community, the space becomes a living organism that responds to the needs of sustainable development and cultural integration. It's a metabolism of forms and social structures, creating new opportunities for collaboration and
Current stage development
Prototype level
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Truskavets City Council, Drohobych Region, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
In my hometown, in the district where I grew up, there is a large abandoned boiler house that has been empty for decades.
After the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, many businesses moved to my city, which led to widespread construction. At that time, I was 20 years old, studying architecture, and I began to worry that such a massive building with great spatial potential might be demolished and replaced with residential complexes.
I couldn't ignore it. So, I decided to take action and led the revitalization process through cultural events, community building, and architectural interventions.
This process is still ongoing. I believe that one day this building will become a catalyst for the transformation of the community, turning the city into a space of sustainable development, equal opportunities, and circular economy. A place where talents are unlocked and everyone feels valued, where all generations — from the youth to the elderly — have the chance to realize themselves and feel dignified.
This building could become a symbol that not only changes the city's face but also inspires the entire community for transformation and recovery after the war, becoming a scientific-artistic observatory.
After the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, many businesses moved to my city, which led to widespread construction. At that time, I was 20 years old, studying architecture, and I began to worry that such a massive building with great spatial potential might be demolished and replaced with residential complexes.
I couldn't ignore it. So, I decided to take action and led the revitalization process through cultural events, community building, and architectural interventions.
This process is still ongoing. I believe that one day this building will become a catalyst for the transformation of the community, turning the city into a space of sustainable development, equal opportunities, and circular economy. A place where talents are unlocked and everyone feels valued, where all generations — from the youth to the elderly — have the chance to realize themselves and feel dignified.
This building could become a symbol that not only changes the city's face but also inspires the entire community for transformation and recovery after the war, becoming a scientific-artistic observatory.
Key objectives for sustainability
4. Quality Education
The project will feature open workshops for robotics, woodworking, model-making, and new fab-lab formats, fostering a culture of making, invention, and creativity with a strong emphasis on STEM approaches.
5. Gender Equality
We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, age, or physical abilities, can find their place and thrive. Regular seminars and events will help form a community that actively promotes tolerance and mutual respect.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Solar panels and wind turbines will power part of the space, while the building's ventilation system will use solar energy and natural convection through the old boiler’s chimney.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
The workshops will create job opportunities in robotics, 3D printing, and architecture, offering hands-on training for young specialists.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
A cultural and scientific center will host artistic residencies and scientific forums, symposiums, and exhibitions, fostering innovation and cultural development.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
The project will establish a green public space, enhancing environmental quality and fostering social integration, strong community connections, and local economic development.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
Workshops will support recycling and restoration of items, including plastic recycling, composting, and refurbishing old furniture, promoting sustainable resource use.
13. Climate Action
We will promote healthy urbanism through educational workshops and the creation of a biodiversity-rich environment, contributing to the city's future green network
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions;
17. Partnerships for the Goals
The project will create a space for cultural and scientific communities to collaborate, strengthening social connections and fostering a proactive, engaged population ready for growth and change
The project will feature open workshops for robotics, woodworking, model-making, and new fab-lab formats, fostering a culture of making, invention, and creativity with a strong emphasis on STEM approaches.
5. Gender Equality
We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, age, or physical abilities, can find their place and thrive. Regular seminars and events will help form a community that actively promotes tolerance and mutual respect.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Solar panels and wind turbines will power part of the space, while the building's ventilation system will use solar energy and natural convection through the old boiler’s chimney.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
The workshops will create job opportunities in robotics, 3D printing, and architecture, offering hands-on training for young specialists.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
A cultural and scientific center will host artistic residencies and scientific forums, symposiums, and exhibitions, fostering innovation and cultural development.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
The project will establish a green public space, enhancing environmental quality and fostering social integration, strong community connections, and local economic development.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
Workshops will support recycling and restoration of items, including plastic recycling, composting, and refurbishing old furniture, promoting sustainable resource use.
13. Climate Action
We will promote healthy urbanism through educational workshops and the creation of a biodiversity-rich environment, contributing to the city's future green network
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions;
17. Partnerships for the Goals
The project will create a space for cultural and scientific communities to collaborate, strengthening social connections and fostering a proactive, engaged population ready for growth and change
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
This project has a number of architectural features that make it unique and expressive among other cultural spaces or projects.
The first is the location. It’s a huge building with a large green area and a complex topography at the center of the district. Even for me, it's just a 2-minute walk from home, and for 80% of the community, it's within a 15-minute walk. This is something special. The topography allows for the creation of amphitheaters, complex landscape architecture, etc., which is an exciting and unique opportunity for the country.
The second feature is the building itself. It is a large structure with high ceilings and spacious areas, which can change their configuration through pulley systems and partitions to accommodate different exhibits and artistic events. Large windows can open the space to the street, allowing for concerts in the summer or the entry of large sculptures for exhibitions.
The third feature is the use of the boiler stack as an observation tower. It could serve as a children's slide and also function as natural ventilation through convection from solar energy. An important aspect is that the STEM workshops inside the building can produce technologies and solutions both for the boiler itself and for the city. They should become a sort of Petri dish for startups and creativity, where innovative ideas and technologies interact with the urban environment.
This project creates a unique place for the development of youth culture and creative ideas, fostering both personal and societal growth.
The first is the location. It’s a huge building with a large green area and a complex topography at the center of the district. Even for me, it's just a 2-minute walk from home, and for 80% of the community, it's within a 15-minute walk. This is something special. The topography allows for the creation of amphitheaters, complex landscape architecture, etc., which is an exciting and unique opportunity for the country.
The second feature is the building itself. It is a large structure with high ceilings and spacious areas, which can change their configuration through pulley systems and partitions to accommodate different exhibits and artistic events. Large windows can open the space to the street, allowing for concerts in the summer or the entry of large sculptures for exhibitions.
The third feature is the use of the boiler stack as an observation tower. It could serve as a children's slide and also function as natural ventilation through convection from solar energy. An important aspect is that the STEM workshops inside the building can produce technologies and solutions both for the boiler itself and for the city. They should become a sort of Petri dish for startups and creativity, where innovative ideas and technologies interact with the urban environment.
This project creates a unique place for the development of youth culture and creative ideas, fostering both personal and societal growth.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objective of my project is to foster inclusivity by creating a space that is accessible, affordable, and designed for all, regardless of age or background. The project aims to bring together diverse generations and communities through cultural events, educational initiatives, and collaborative activities. By integrating inclusive governance and focusing on equal opportunities, the design ensures that everyone feels represented and involved. The space serves as a model for sustainable development, circular economy, and a community-driven approach that empowers individuals and nurtures talents. Through these principles, the project not only addresses societal needs but also provides an example of how inclusive, forward-thinking architecture can shape a more equitable future.
How Citizens benefit
My approach is **deep immersion in the community**, where a community is first formed, and only then is a small infrastructure project realized. This initiates a new cycle of engaging people, increasing resources, and scaling the initiative.
The project develops **step by step**. The first stage was the revitalization hypothesis, which I published in the media. It received strong support from the community and participants of the urban forum. This enabled us to approach the municipality with a request for the first investment – grass mowing and organizing movie nights at the location.
This minimal project test showed:
**Legitimization** of cultural events in the space;
**Engagement of a large number of people and positive feedback**;
**Team formation** – the creation of a youth council in the community.
**The next step was scaling.** Over the course of a year, together with like-minded individuals, we organized a **series of summer cinemas**. Now, within the youth council, we regularly hold **board game nights, movie screenings, and team meetings**, which helps our community grow both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Simultaneously, we are preparing **educational events** on architecture and urbanism, workshops for exploring the boiler house area, and preparing it for transformation. We are also in communication with neighboring institutions – kindergartens, schools, sports communities, and the third-age institute – to integrate them into the process.
Next is the realization of a **small prototype** with key spatial meanings. This will allow us to test ideas, attract new participants, and create a wider community.
The cyclical participatory development also involves working with **neighboring courtyards and streets**, improving the areas surrounding buildings. This will foster greater social interaction, acquaintances, and strengthening horizontal connections in the city.
The project develops **step by step**. The first stage was the revitalization hypothesis, which I published in the media. It received strong support from the community and participants of the urban forum. This enabled us to approach the municipality with a request for the first investment – grass mowing and organizing movie nights at the location.
This minimal project test showed:
**Legitimization** of cultural events in the space;
**Engagement of a large number of people and positive feedback**;
**Team formation** – the creation of a youth council in the community.
**The next step was scaling.** Over the course of a year, together with like-minded individuals, we organized a **series of summer cinemas**. Now, within the youth council, we regularly hold **board game nights, movie screenings, and team meetings**, which helps our community grow both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Simultaneously, we are preparing **educational events** on architecture and urbanism, workshops for exploring the boiler house area, and preparing it for transformation. We are also in communication with neighboring institutions – kindergartens, schools, sports communities, and the third-age institute – to integrate them into the process.
Next is the realization of a **small prototype** with key spatial meanings. This will allow us to test ideas, attract new participants, and create a wider community.
The cyclical participatory development also involves working with **neighboring courtyards and streets**, improving the areas surrounding buildings. This will foster greater social interaction, acquaintances, and strengthening horizontal connections in the city.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The project stands out for its innovative approach by transforming a derelict industrial space into a vibrant community hub, integrating sustainable practices, circular economy principles, and a multidisciplinary focus on art, STEM education, and intergenerational collaboration. Unlike mainstream initiatives, it fosters a dynamic, inclusive environment that empowers local communities and drives social and environmental change.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The project involves urbanists, ecologists, sociologists, and artists from various fields. It is not just an infrastructure project, but a living organism that evolves through the involvement of various stakeholders. The project acts as a catalyst for urban interventions and forms teams of like-minded individuals, promoting the creation of new cultural events that lead to architectural projects.
In the long term, the project includes the establishment of workshops for artistic projects, as well as a café-bookstore with a creative hub that will become an important business and cultural center for local artists and musicians. This will be a space for selling artworks, hosting musical evenings and performances, which will also generate additional cultural initiatives.
Plans include the installation of solar panels, wind generators, and the implementation of energy-efficient solutions, combining technology with art.
This business model will create a sustainable and self-sufficient project that will foster the development of local culture, create jobs, and attract investment. The city will gain a new cultural hub that will stimulate cultural tourism and support the community.
In the long term, the project includes the establishment of workshops for artistic projects, as well as a café-bookstore with a creative hub that will become an important business and cultural center for local artists and musicians. This will be a space for selling artworks, hosting musical evenings and performances, which will also generate additional cultural initiatives.
Plans include the installation of solar panels, wind generators, and the implementation of energy-efficient solutions, combining technology with art.
This business model will create a sustainable and self-sufficient project that will foster the development of local culture, create jobs, and attract investment. The city will gain a new cultural hub that will stimulate cultural tourism and support the community.
Methodology used
For the implementation of this highly complex, large, and ambitious project, which has a multiplicative impact on my community, I approach it with an ecosystem-based methodology and a series of “prototype” stages. Each stage has a logical structure, and with each one, its complexity, the number of resources involved, and its impact will increase.
Here is the structure:
1. Catalyst — "activation of space."
2. Formation/development of the team.
3. Soft development component (events, activities, etc.) — community development.
The cycle is closed, and after each stage, it repeats with new challenges and tasks:
1. Catalyst — infrastructure modernization, architectural intervention in the space.
This methodology will shape the boiler house space as a mirror, reflecting the needs of the community that has gathered around this project.
Here is the structure:
1. Catalyst — "activation of space."
2. Formation/development of the team.
3. Soft development component (events, activities, etc.) — community development.
The cycle is closed, and after each stage, it repeats with new challenges and tasks:
1. Catalyst — infrastructure modernization, architectural intervention in the space.
This methodology will shape the boiler house space as a mirror, reflecting the needs of the community that has gathered around this project.
How stakeholders are engaged
At the local level, the municipality supported the first initiative for space revitalization – grass mowing and event organization. They assisted with technical issues, organization, and the bureaucratic aspects of the events.
Later, the city administration initiated the creation of the youth council and facilitated its formation. They also provide institutional support for architectural interventions and public events.
At the strategic level, the city authorities share our vision of transforming the project area into a youth center and support its development. They are eager to support the revitalization of the entire building and see the realization of this project in future programs.
Later, the city administration initiated the creation of the youth council and facilitated its formation. They also provide institutional support for architectural interventions and public events.
At the strategic level, the city authorities share our vision of transforming the project area into a youth center and support its development. They are eager to support the revitalization of the entire building and see the realization of this project in future programs.
Global challenges
The project addresses several global challenges by offering local solutions related to infrastructure renewal and the rethinking of industrial sites. One of the major challenges is the inefficient use of former industrial sites like boiler houses, which are now underutilized or require modernization. This project proposes a solution by transforming such structures into cultural and social spaces that meet the needs of sustainable development and improve the quality of life for local residents.
Another challenge is ensuring access to cultural and educational resources, especially in smaller communities. Since boiler houses are often located in the heart of residential areas, they can serve as ideal places to create community centers with educational and cultural functions. This also supports the concept of a 15-minute city, where all essential resources are within walking distance.
The typology of boiler houses located in large residential complexes, and their proximity to educational institutions, provides an opportunity to create centers for youth development and social initiatives. This approach not only solves the problem of reusing old industrial buildings but also fosters infrastructure development for cultural and social events, which is crucial for local sustainable development.
Another challenge is ensuring access to cultural and educational resources, especially in smaller communities. Since boiler houses are often located in the heart of residential areas, they can serve as ideal places to create community centers with educational and cultural functions. This also supports the concept of a 15-minute city, where all essential resources are within walking distance.
The typology of boiler houses located in large residential complexes, and their proximity to educational institutions, provides an opportunity to create centers for youth development and social initiatives. This approach not only solves the problem of reusing old industrial buildings but also fosters infrastructure development for cultural and social events, which is crucial for local sustainable development.
Learning transferred to other parties
A unique aspect of this project is the typology of space, which has significant potential for replication in other communities and contexts. This involves the adaptation of industrial sites, specifically boiler houses, into cultural, social, and educational centers. This not only revitalizes old industrial buildings but also creates new functional spaces in the heart of communities.
The typology of boiler houses in Ukrainian cities originally placed them in the center of residential areas, particularly near schools and kindergartens. This was done to ensure easy access to heating for the residents, but it also created challenges in separating residential zones from industrial ones. Sanitary distances between residential buildings and boiler houses were significant, leading to a separation of living and industrial areas. However, with new approaches to urbanism and sustainable development, these former engineering limitations can now serve as a foundation for creating new social hubs that rethink the functions of these spaces.
The idea is not just to preserve these objects but to adapt them for modern needs by creating cultural, educational, and community spaces based on such typologies, which provide direct access to these sites for local residents. This approach to utilizing infrastructure that already exists within cities allows cultural initiatives to be integrated in a convenient location—right in the heart of residential neighborhoods.
The typology of boiler houses in Ukrainian cities originally placed them in the center of residential areas, particularly near schools and kindergartens. This was done to ensure easy access to heating for the residents, but it also created challenges in separating residential zones from industrial ones. Sanitary distances between residential buildings and boiler houses were significant, leading to a separation of living and industrial areas. However, with new approaches to urbanism and sustainable development, these former engineering limitations can now serve as a foundation for creating new social hubs that rethink the functions of these spaces.
The idea is not just to preserve these objects but to adapt them for modern needs by creating cultural, educational, and community spaces based on such typologies, which provide direct access to these sites for local residents. This approach to utilizing infrastructure that already exists within cities allows cultural initiatives to be integrated in a convenient location—right in the heart of residential neighborhoods.
Next steps
This project is very complex and ambitious for my community, with a significant multiplicative impact.<br />
<br />
In 2025, I plan to implement the project based on a proven algorithm with an already-formed team from the youth council, a professional community of like-minded architects, urbanists, and other sectors.<br />
<br />
The projects will evolve cyclically in a spiral, with each year bringing new levels of complexity.<br />
<br />
May-June:<br />
<br />
I plan to organize a series of lectures, open panels, and seminars on architecture, urbanism, ecology, and sustainable development, together with the professional community, in the school where the youth council has its headquarters. These events will be held in the assembly hall, introducing students to these concepts and the idea of tactical urbanism.<br />
<br />
Next stage:<br />
<br />
June-July (two weeks)<br />
<br />
An architectural workshop with students and the community, using tactical urbanism methods to develop solutions for the boiler house area in the district center. This could potentially lead to creating an exhibition on the site.<br />
<br />
Third stage:<br />
<br />
(July-August) One month<br />
<br />
Design, procurement, and a construction workshop with the community, local activists, the municipality, and volunteers. The goal is to build an open stage in the area near the boiler house and create a permanent public space.<br />
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Fourth stage:<br />
<br />
Forum-Concert, an open panel with seminars, and the grand opening of the space. Activation of the location, in collaboration with local activists and music bands, will help the community recognize this space as one for significant cultural events.
Infrastructure or public space
No
Political support
No
Monetary value awarded
No
