The article explores the principles of transformation of artistic ideas into architectural space, their implementation in the architectural and historical environment of the city. Fragments of the environment of the historic city Centre do not always meet the requirements for an aesthetically and functionally appropriate space. There is a need to preserve historically valuable buildings, a sign of the environment, its atmosphere, and at the same time, to acquire new qualities, artistic and figurative characteristics that meet the requirements of the present. These contradictions can be resolved by implementing the principles of transformation of artistic ideas into architectural space. The article establishes the conditionality of the application of these principles in accordance with the peculiarities of the existing environmental situation, environmental activity and consumer. The article illustrates the search for directions and strategies for the renovation of the architectural and historical environment by analyzing a fragment of the historical Centre of Odesa, Devolanivskyi Descent. The article illustrated by students works that reflect certain artistic approaches and principles, namely: the principle of relying on the existing artistic and imaginative potential of the environment; the principle of transforming environmental factors into artistic ideas and vice versa; the principle of stimulating active interaction between a person and a fragment of the environment - interactive art objects and environmental installations; the principle of visual provocations and switching; the principle of attractiveness of the environment through the use of modern digital technologies, etc.