The massive reconstruction of postindustrial spaces in Saint Petersburg, Russia resulted in the appearance of many places that are either obsessed with loft aesthetics or simply ignore it despite the surrounding context. The project of Futura bistro occupying a former metering station at Lenpoligraphmash factory demonstrates another approach towards the reuse of the heritage of our recent past.

Consciously leaving the postindustrial spirit behind, the project addresses the potential of a small and square in its floor plan original volume, using basic elements of architectural language. The architectonics of the metering station enabled the expansion of the existing glazing area, showing up the inner space and symbolically extending it in the summer terrace and leisure time infrastructure which includes a basketball court, Biergarten, green space, and the upcoming access to the rooftop. The collaboration of RHIZOME, Alexey Bistrov responsible for the graphic design and the artist Alexey Kio – an author of the abstract biomorphic mural – led to the exterior of the bistro.