In large cities, we are increasingly confronted with modern and sometimes unusual for hearing and understanding names of cultural objects and centers. There are those in St. Petersburg. For example, loft projects. What is it?
Loft project - what is it?
The word loft itself in translation from English means "attic". If we talk about the cultural corners of the city, then, as a rule, loft projects are called spaces in industrial buildings or warehouse facilities, converted and adapted for contemporary art exhibitions, cultural events, as well as exhibitions of purebred dogs, foxes, reptiles, cats and even dwarf horses. It was such projects in the winter-spring period that one of the St. Petersburg loft projects "Floors" on Ligovsky represented. Photos of the project are presented in the article.
Loft project "Floors" - a representative of the "attic" architecture
"Floors" on Ligovsky Prospect is a representative of the architectural style of a hard loft, which is sometimes also called the "attic". The basis for the organization of space is the previously built building, which in the past could be abandoned. In this case, it is the Smolninsky bakery. This is where all the events of the St. Petersburg loft project take place. The emptiness and brevity of the factory premises create a special atmosphere. Here, a creative person has the opportunity to create something completely new and hitherto unprecedented, gets a chance for self-expression, can openly declare his vision of the world and its transformation.
One of the characteristic features of the loft style is the use of white in the design of interiors. The color scheme for the exteriors does not matter. Another feature is the use of only clear, straight, concise lines and geometric shapes in the construction of the structure and its interior spaces. The decoration is scarce or non-existent. All this is typical for the design of "Floors" on Ligovsky.
"Floors" - a project for youth and adolescents
Nowadays, a loft is not only an interesting architectural direction, but also the lifestyle of an active person from a big city. "Floors" on Ligovsky is a place for unification of teenagers and youth. This is where cosplay events that are fashionable today are often held. This is a kind of "costume game" when young people appear in the images of famous characters. So, on May 6-7, 2017, the Cosplay and Comics festival was held here, where representatives of the city's young generation, reincarnated as bright characters of popular comics, manga and fantasy, gathered.
"Floors" on Ligovsky - a family project
It is safe to say that Floors is also a family project. There are corners for every member of the family from small to large: a children's club, a library, a mini-hotel, an art cafe, exhibition halls and even the “Roof” - an amazing open-air exhibition space. From the "Roof" you can see the city from a bird's eye view.
It also often hosts exhibitions of amazingly good Samoyed dogs and Siberian huskies. You can talk with dogs, and even hold puppies in your arms. Communication with animals is attractive not only for children. This is a psychological therapy for Petersburgers living in severe mental conditions of a gray depressed local climate.
Floors of St. Petersburg Loft Project
The main galleries of "Floors" on Ligovsky occupy the four upper floors of the building. On the fifth are the Globus Gallery of Modern Art, the studio of the Archipenko brothers architects, a wine bar with organic drinks, which presents magazines on current trends in fashion, design, advertising, architecture. These rooms have become the most attractive for modern photographers.
On the fourth floor there is a new project of the exhibition complex, opened in 2008, - Formula Gallery. Here, thanks to the organizer of the opening days, the artist Irena Kuksenayte, you can get acquainted with different aspects of the culture and life of the countries of Scandinavia and the Baltic states.
And on the third floor there is a studio of Russian designers, a cafe "Green Room" and a hostel.
The second floor is for special exhibition events. One of the recent events was the exhibition of dwarf horses. And about 7-8 years ago in a hall of 700 square meters. m was an amazing exhibition of installations of the German master Gunther Jücker.
All exhibits were made of wood, nails, bandages and sand. One can argue about their artistic value, but the impressions of what they saw are still mind-boggling.
