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After it was designed by Soviet architect Alexey Shchusev in 1939, TSUM, an iconic luxury department store in the heart of Kiev, was almost immediately destroyed during the Second World War. Thankfully, it was in a recoverable condition, and was subsequently restored and enlarged in 1956. In the decades that followed, TSUM gained status as Kiev's most historically significant department store. With this history and cultural importance instilled into the building's bones, Benoy has completed a full-scale external and internal revitalization of the property, cementing its place in the psyche of Kievans.
"As one of Kiev’s most admired buildings, it was an honour for Benoy to work on a project that has such a deep-rooted cultural and historical significance to the city," said Jason Clark, Senior Associate Director at Benoy. "We have preserved the characteristics of TSUM, while modernising it for the 21st century customer; introducing a free-form void at the centre of the store that offers a dramatic focal point."
While the reimagining has given a fresh look to many of the interior spaces — aligning with the characteristics of a contemporary retail landscape — the exterior has been restored to its original glory. The existing 1938 and 1956 Art Deco facades have been fully refurbished and brightly showcased at night. A glazed clerestory crowns the building and accommodates restaurants and a rooftop terrace that boasts stunning views of Khreshchatyk Street and the cityscape. The new TSUM contains over 22,000 square metres of retail space scattered across nine levels, with an eye-catching sculptural atrium that becomes the focal point of the store. An additional 200 vehicular spaces have been provided within two levels of underground parking.
"We are proud to unveil the new TSUM, a department store that has redefined the retail landscape of Kiev," said Brian Handley, CEO at TSUM Kiev. "It was imperative for us to maintain the historic façade of the building while providing a complementary internal redesign that promotes social exchange and heightens the experience for the modern day shopper."
This isn't Benoy's first entry into the world of heritage restoration and repositioning. The British brand, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, was also retained as interior designer for the refurbishment of the 1930s Renoma department store in Wroclaw, Poland. In London, they've provided retail and master plan advisory services for the renewal of the famous Battersea Power Station.
What do you think of the project? Are there any historic structures in your city that could use a dose of architectural ingenuity? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
