The article deals with the issues of architectural and figurative transformation of buildings during the reconstruction of historical industrial enterprises (mid-eighteenth century – first half of the XX century). The main principles for the implementation of such a transformation are determined: ensuring urban integrity; preservation of the historical image of industrial architecture; nuances in their general architectural and spatial organization (symbiosis with the environment); contrast between old and new; compliance with national and regional cultural traditions; environmentally friendly solutions. Examples of the application of these principles in the world practice of the reconstruction of industrial buildings for various public functions are analyzed.
Techniques that allow to implement these principles in the renovation of historical buildings are defined. These methods are proposed to include: conservation and restoration of the characteristic elements of industrial architecture; reuse of authentic materials and designs; the inclusion of industrial equipment in the interiors and exteriors of objects of reconstruction; the use of forms, materials, structures, furniture – contrasting with the primary industrial structure while ensuring symbiosis with the environment due to the nuanced solution of the overall composition, the delicate inclusion of new elements, the preservation of rhythmic patterns, the use of building and finishing materials, elements of architectural «camouflage» (grids, perforations, glazing, openwork metal structures, etc.); «absorption» of old buildings or their parts by new structures. In addition, an accentuated appeal to the characteristic features of the national cultural traditions of the construction region, through the use of local building and finishing materials, forms, structures, the use of local ornaments, patterns, objects of arts and crafts is proposed. It is recommended to use environmentally friendly materials, landscaping elements in the interiors and exteriors of buildings, the formation of a building area using the natural landscape along with the inclusion of industrial elements of industrial architecture.