Art Сlusters as Urban Heterotopias: Architectural Transformation and Socio-cultural Impact

The relevance of this study lies in the need for a comprehensive analysis of art clusters as urban heterotopias that propose new scenarios for the interaction between architecture, culture, and society. Particular attention is given to their transformation within socio-cultural and urban paradigms. The article explores the process of adapting industrial buildings for cultural purposes. The purpose of research is to identify the patterns of formation, stages of development, typologies, and specific features of art cluster transformations within the urban environment, as well as to analyse their role as heterotopias – spatial formations that exist beyond dominant social norms and offer alternative scenarios for urban space utilisation. Research methods. The study employs qualitative analysis of literature, case studies of Ukrainian and international art clusters, and an assessment of their role in shaping new urban practices through spatial analysis, revitalisation projects, and integration into the cultural landscape. A typology and comparative analysis of art clusters were developed based on their formation and evolution peculiarities. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the study conceptualises art clusters as «heterotopias of illusion» in Michel Foucault’s terms – spaces outside dominant social structures and reshaping the urban environment through cultural and artistic practices. These clusters enable adaptive reuse of industrial heritage, foster independent creative platforms, and support the development of underground art. The author proposes an original typology of art clusters based on their formation and transformation processes. The paper outlines the sociocultural development stages of the first typological group – “underground transformations”. Ukrainian examples such as Jam Factory (Lviv) and Art-zavod Platforma (Kyiv) illustrate the potential of such spaces to reimagine the urban fabric. The practical significance lies in identifying mechanisms for effectively reusing industrial heritage to foster creative industries and shape new urban strategies. Conclusions. Art clusters represent revitalised industrial territories that emerge through industrial squatting or institutional support, transforming the urban environment on architectural and socio-cultural levels. The study presents an original vision of art clusters as heterotopias that offer alternative spatial development scenarios and function as “heterotopias of illusion”, capable of shaping new urban realities. A typology is proposed based on the mode of formation: (1) underground transformations resulting from industrial squatting and (2) managed creative zones established with institutional support. Key transformation processes are highlighted: abandonment, industrial squatting, cultural colonisation, aestheticisation, gentrification, cultural capitalisation, and social marginalisation of squatters – all comprising a complex dynamic of art cluster development. These dynamics reshape the socio-cultural status of urban areas and generate new models for the coexistence of art, business, and community. Architectural adaptation of art clusters preserves industrial heritage while infusing it with new functions and meanings. Such spaces serve as platforms for creativity and as works of art and agents of cultural transformation, shaping contemporary urban identity. Their transformation from abandoned industrial zones into cultural hubs is vital to modern cities’ architectural and socio-cultural evolution.