In November, the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve introduced a new educational space designed by architect and UTRO studio co-founder Olga Rokal. The project transforms a compact area into a multifunctional workshop, balancing hands-on activities, curated storage solutions, and rotating museum exhibits. From antique porcelain to contemporary wood carvings, the space accommodates a diverse range of displays while maintaining a strong focus on craftsmanship and education.
The workshop is built around the idea of adaptability, where every piece of furniture is designed to support learning and creativity. The architectural approach respects the historic aesthetic of Bazhenov’s original design, ensuring the space harmonizes with its setting.
A Space That Adapts to Every Need
At the core of the project is a commitment to flexibility. The custom-made furniture allows the workshop to shift between different formats, ensuring that activities can range from individual crafting sessions to large collaborative projects.
A key feature is the modular tables, crafted from light plywood with metal fittings in bold colors. These tables can be arranged into a single round setup, encouraging discussion and teamwork, or aligned in a wave-like formation, encouraging movement and interaction. The inspiration for this design came from the idea of a knight’s table, symbolizing both tradition and the collective spirit of craftsmanship.
Storage also plays a crucial role in maintaining the space’s functionality. The system follows the carpenter’s cabinet concept, organizing tools and materials neatly across both doors and drawers. This design keeps every element easily accessible while preserving a structured appearance.
Sculptural Cabinets as Functional Art
Lining the workshop walls, sculptural cabinets serve as both storage and an invitation for closer exploration. Crafted from light plywood with perforated doors, these units contrast with the neo-Gothic vaults of the space.
The cabinets take inspiration from 19th-century Wootton desks and sewing tables, which featured multi-purpose surfaces that doubled as storage. This design concept ensures that every cabinet surprises and engages, with each compartment revealing a carefully arranged collection of materials. One unit houses ceramics tools, another contains metalworking and jewelry-making supplies, while the largest cabinet accommodates weaving looms.
Connecting Education with Museum Displays
The educational space is not just for hands-on activities, it also functions as a flexible exhibition area. The perforated walls allow for effortless adjustments, enabling museum pieces to be displayed across multiple surfaces, including cabinet doors. This adaptability ensures that exhibits remain dynamic, providing visitors with a fresh perspective on Tsaritsyno’s collection.
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Adding another layer of intrigue, small decorative details are hidden throughout the space, embedded into doors and panels. These subtle elements offer glimpses into the stories behind the museum’s exhibits. They encourage visitors to engage with the history and craftsmanship represented in the displays.
A New Chapter for Tsaritsyno’s Educational Spaces
For Olga Rokal, this project was about more than designing a functional space. It was about creating an environment that encourages creativity and exploration. “The workshop is designed to spark curiosity and a desire to create, primarily through its unconventional yet functional furniture,” she explains. By integrating historical influences with modern practicality, the new educational space at Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve provides a setting where craftsmanship and learning come together.
Completion: 2024
Photographer: Daniil Annenkov
