Dominated by the skeletons of old factories, the industrial area Charkiv was chosen as the site for this design workshop. This almost charming industrial zone with its inspiring factory reminants became the starting-point of the concept ‚Natrual Born Industry’.

The idea is to create a fully self-sufficent developement through the use of wind, solar and biomass energy. Not only were the functions of living, working, research and education combined, but these were also interwoven with leisure activities. The areas image is to be revitalised through improvements to the infrastructure whilst maintaining and exhibiting a link to its industrial past. As the site is located along railways lines, heavy traffic can mostly be avoided and the focus can be laid on a well designed network of bike paths.

It was also a goal of this concept to create a diverse cultural scene outside of Charkiv’s city centre. For example, old steel factory structures have been converted into a concert hall with the character of a gallery, so that the charm of the past is not lost.

The concept will not only provide jobs and homes, but also an appreciation and creation of green areas for recreation. An existing creek should be revitalised, including new bike paths. The creek flows into a lake in the middle of the planning area – this lake offers water based recreation and simultaneously defines the centre of the new recreation area.

“Natural Born Industry” should act as a "role model" for similar planning areas in former industrial areas.