Creative Dialogues: NOOM & CUUB Collaboration

Dedicated to the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian design brand NOOM and creative content studio CUUB have joined forces to shed light on Ukraine from a fresh perspective. Both internationally renowned, these two entities have merged their expertise to reiterate Ukraine's rich architectural heritage, vibrant contemporary design, and advanced technologies despite the ongoing war.

The essence of this collaboration lies in showcasing that Ukraine is not only about its traditional culture but also boasts brutalist and modernist architecture, along with contemporary industrial design that continues to thrive despite the ongoing war.

Through collaborative efforts, NOOM and CUUB aim to emphasize Ukraine's architectural diversity and resilience in the face of adversity. They serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that creativity endures even in the most challenging times.

The Vernadsky National Library of Ukraine, Kyiv

The main building of the Vernadsky National Library is one of Kyiv's most recognizable modernist structures. It was built in 1989 according to the project of "Kyivproekt" architects Vadym Hopkal, Vadym Grechyna and Valerii Peskovskyi. The vertical part of the library is a book depository with 27 floors, and the library's reading rooms and office premises are located in the horizontal part.

Image: Gropius chairs designed by Kateryna Sokolova for NOOM in the Vernadsky National Library

Visualisations by CUUB Studio

Oles Honchar Regional Universal Scientific Library, Kherson. Interiors destroyed by russian missiles

The Kherson Regional Universal Scientific Library, a unique modernist marvel constructed in 1986 by architects H. Avramenko and N. Marchenko, has fallen victim to Russian attacks.

Image: Gropius sofa, Brandt coffee table and GUTTA vase designed by Kateryna Sokolova for NOOM in the Kherson Regional Universal Scientific Library Visualisations by CUUB Studio

Palace of Culture named after Serhiy Korolev, Kyiv. 23.02.2024, the interiors of this architectural marvel were destroyed by fire.

The Palace of Culture, named after Serhiy Korolov, was built in 1984 by outstanding architect Valentyn Yezhov. The palace has unique architecture and fascinating interiors. The façade of the building is decorated with a rare natural stone - red Armenian volcanic tuff. The interior, with a stunning cosmic-style chandelier in the hall on the second floor, looks highly futuristic.

Gropius “fluffy” chairs designed by Kateryna Sokolova for NOOM in the Palace of Culture, named after Serhiy Korolov. Visualisations by CUUB Studio

The Kryvyi Rih Metrotram (colloquially: Kryvyi Rih Metro). Prospekt Metalurhiv Station.

Prospect Metalurhiv, a station on the Kryvyi Rih Metrotram that opened on 2 May 1989, stands as a testament to architectural excellence. Aesthetically, it boasts a striking monolithic concrete vault adorned with a series of niches housing suspended luminescent chandeliers. Red brickwork and grey marble are used on walls, whilst red and grey granite grace the floor.

The metrotram looks like a regular metro station, but instead of a train, a tram arrives. There are only a few cities in the world where you can see this: Brussels, The Hague, San Francisco, Antwerp, Krakow.

Stainless steel sideboard Gerrit by NOOM in the Kryvyi Rih Metrotram Visualisations by CUUB Studio

Modernist climatrons at The Fomin Botanical Garden, Kyiv

A real gem is hidden in the very center of Kyiv — one of the oldest botanical gardens of Ukraine, founded in 1839. The subtropical climatron was built in 1977, and the glass-domed embassy for the tropics was opened in 1984. Climatrons create a perfect environment for their plants, replicating their native habitats.