ИСТИНА

Moscow has experienced a lot of architectural transformations due to different socio- economic challenges. They frequently effect metropolis’ unused production areas within the city. In 1980-1990s many closed industrial facilities were abandoned and stayed vacant with their warehouses, administrative buildings, workshops, railroads, garages, etc. Built by outstanding architects, they were losing their beauty, attracting people with marginal behavior and creating unpleasant buffer zone around themselves. Moscow Gas Plant with four brick gas-holders could boast of the contributions by the best architects of the XIX-XX centuries. Moscow was about to lose a rare industrial architecture specimen, erected by Rudolf Bernhard, and its inter-floor coverings by Vladimir Shukhov. But new live slowly originated there. One by one modern creative class, artistic circles and Bohemia, who were in need of vast spaces came in. Antique dealers opened their warehouses, flowed by restorers. Bakeries and cafeterias came in sight, offering regular meals and catering for events and festivals. Offices and residential blocks constituted another step of the gentrification. Warehouses with items for hobbies and professional design attract people of different age groups. The renovation has not been complete yet but the place has become a new bright cultural spot with pleasant and safe area around. It triggered the development of the surroundings with art galleries, educational centers, night clubs and retailers. It has become a valuable urban element. Many of the buildings of Moscow Gas Plant will be listed soon, as suggested by the local history society. The renewal and transformation of industrial areas enrich Moscow historical layout and provide unique ways of being creative. It gives the citizens comfortable working and living environment, direct access to cultural activities and attracts modern creative class.