Karifabrika
As part of the renovation of the former textile factory in the city of Dilijan, Armenia, we have designed the Karifabrika project, a creative incubator — an open space that will bring together and leverage international experience, the talent of Dilijan’s residents, and creative entrepreneurship, while fostering cultural life and launching sustainable businesses.
Armenia's first creative business incubator
The first international incubator for the creative industries in Armenia, Karifabrika will open five production studios to support local craftsmanship and create jobs. With a business support center and close collaboration with the city’s employment service, its goal is to develop the creative industries, foster cooperation between education, production, and innovation, and expand access to vocational training in the Tavush region. Karifabrika will directly support the development of these creative industries and, indirectly, gastronomy, agribusiness, and tourism — priority sectors for the region — by improving product quality, design, communication, and user experience.
Karifabrika community
Karifabrika will offer a welcoming space conducive to exchange and intercultural cooperation. Educational programs will support the launch of projects and businesses through career guidance, professional retraining, and workshops and seminars with guest specialists.
Architectural concept and programming
As part of the project, we have developed an architectural concept for the factory space and its surrounding grounds. The building’s visual identity is centered on the existing terraced roofs. These iconic elements, visible from various points in the city, become a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Dilijan balcony and symbolize future opportunities. One of the terraces will be transformed into an event space, and another will host an outdoor café-bar. Inside the incubator, there will be an open library and a co-creation platform with a café, bookstore, and event hall; a production line with workshops and studios; offices; a coworking space; a media lab with a podcast room; as well as a large multifunctional hall.
Fluid circulation will be ensured by an open gallery connected to a food court. The central element will be a red metal staircase — not only functional, but also an architectural statement linking the first and second floors visually. An amphitheater will create a playful transition between the terrace and the garden, while also providing access to the terraces from the street via stairs and a ramp. The site will also include a garden with a play area, becoming a gathering place for Dilijan families with children, teenagers, and young adults. Karifabrika’s space and design will encourage encounters and dialogue. The ground-floor gallery will serve as a weekday lounge and discussion space, and will be able to host exhibitions and festivals on weekends.
Interior design arpproach
Karifabrika’s design principles take into account the factory’s tangible industrial heritage. The building’s industrial past is reflected in the presence of concrete surfaces with varied textures, the use of metal, and decorative wall elements. Restored furniture, vintage rugs, and wooden shelving create an atmosphere where the legacy of the past blends harmoniously with contemporary functions.
Residency
The Karifabrika team brings together institutions, communities, and individuals around shared values. Anyone involved in the life of the venue becomes a resident of the project.
