MAKHNO studio envisions modern visitor center powered by renewable sources

Energy independent visitor center by makhno

MAKHNO Studio envisions a modern visitor center that sustainably adapts to the requirements of the future. Located on the bank of the Dnipro river, in the middle of a field with windmills, the resulting structure presents itself with clear geometries that reflect a sense of a pure and sustainable world. Described as a ‘building of the future’, the center operates on the energy from the wind harvested on the field around. This emphasizes the vital role of windmills as one of the most valuable resources for producing green hydrogen and preserving the world’s ecosystem.

The design team believes that Vitryak can become a central paradigm in contemporary society and bring us closer to nature. ‘Vitryak is like a concrete bird in the middle of a field with metal giants – a symbol of movement and free flight.,’ shared the team. The architects opted for a structure that uses energy from renewable and alternative sources and is energy efficient. One of these sources is wind power which promotes the flexibility of the general system and resistance to threats.‘It is about the transformation of our attitude to nature and energy. This is a story about rethinking our potential independence because the energy received from the wind in its nature leads to complete freedom and flexibility.’

all images by MAKHNO Studio

gentle lines and a soft color palette imbue the interior

The white cladding integrates the structure into its surroundings and seeks to blur the limits between the built environment and the landscape. The two-story building features a museum, a conference hall, an observation platform, a recreation area, and a cafe bar, while windmills outline its perimeter. The landscape is characterized by a circular lake, which eventually becomes part of the architecture. The main block which hosts the museum mimics the form of a wing, which on the reflected water surface resembles the construction of a windmill.

To further accentuate the horizontality of the main block, the architects built a permeable wall that running the length of the building articulated by a series of quatropods — unique 3D tiles by MAKHNO Studio. Over the main block, there is the observation platform overlooking the windmills. The conference hall and cafe-bar area are located on the first floor.

When it comes to the interior, the architects infused the spaces with light colors, and soft lines, a pure design language that echoes the natural forms of the landscape. The walls are decorated with MAKHNO Studio’s 3D tiles found on the exterior wall as well, utilizing a similar design language inside and outside. Furthermore, large-scale prototypes of quatropods are hanging from the ceiling in the zone of the cafe exuding a futuristic touch. ‘Vitryak is a project about the future, about the knowledge about saving natural resources, for the purpose of increasing the flexibility of the energy system.’

the building utilizes wind as an alternative energy source