KUMST is a creative centre in the city of Brno, Czech Republic, dedicated to the development of the local creative community. Initiated and run by the public institution South Moravian Region Innovation Center (JIC), the hub is an accelerator for small and medium-size businesses to grow and a space for offices and studios for rent.

KOGAA was involved in the process of building the content and functioning of KUMST not only as architects but also by being actively involved in the development of the entire ecosystem. The city lacked a platform for connecting with creative minds, as well as dedicated lecture halls, and cultural events. Within only a few years of its run, the centre became the platform for major events such as the New European Bauhaus. The impact of such spaces is crucial for the growth of a second city and region, from which post-studies brilliant minds often leave to reach opportunities in larger cities.

The role of KUMST is to support those minds in setting up their businesses and grow locally. Therefore, the challenge while designing was to not only adapt the existing building into a new function that allows more relationships between people but also to invent new typologies of workspaces and common areas where the community could interact, collaborate, and invite the city in. Given the tight budget, most of the finishes and infrastructure were left untouched apart from the functional change in the whole electric plan. The reconstruction of the space was divided into phases for the users to start activating the space asap.

The focus of the construction was on opening spaces and highlighting important moments, as well as getting rid of materials and structures that were not original to the building - The travertine columns in the main event hall; The light bricks ceiling element bring in the light inside which has been covered by a gypsum-suspended ceiling we opened up and brought to the original state.

On interior design, the work was done in collaboration with local designer Denisa Strmisková, whose main idea was to sensitively combine the relationship of interior and exterior architecture with the authenticity of a functionalist building. Both the architectural and interior design of the reconstruction was primarily cleaning the spaces to their original basis and working with colours and materials which inspired the users to create and showcase their work.

When entering the spaces, visitors are welcomed by an open multifunctional hall used for exhibitions of the local creatives and facing directly the street through large mirrored and tinted windows with a characteristic design from the original building. Visible from the street level, it connects to the city by working as a showcase of design, art, fashion, and other creative businesses covered by the incubator.

Some of the design interventions include the two inner courtyards which have been given purpose thanks to the activation of the side passage from the main street.