The purpose of the research is to highlight the features of the design and determine the new functions of cultural institutions in the context of decentralization on the example of rural settlements in the Western region of Ukraine. To achieve this goal, theoretical and empirical research methods are used (scientometric method, analysis of domestic experience in designing and building cultural institutions based on literature sources and design materials, on-site survey of rural clubs), comparative analysis, classification and generalization. Studies conducted in the villages of the Western region of Ukraine showed that the centers of popularization and preservation of traditional culture and folk customs in the village are clubs or houses of culture. In the process of decentralization, each newly created community has the opportunity to implement its functions in the field of culture and is obliged to maintain. Most of them are in disrepair and need al sorts of repairs, modernization and reconstruction. Researchers have shown that there have been changes in the cultural and artistic life of communities that have an impact on the preservation and promotion of traditional culture. And the change of directions and type of activity of cultural institutions need to be reformatted according to the needs of local residents, reorganized and transformed. Festivals, competitions, creative exhibitions, folk and religious holidays in the united territorial communities are celebrated in a new way: bright actions, photo and video recording of events, a large number of invited guests and organizational training. Communities seek out their identities and develop concepts for cultural service centers. Accordingly, rural cultural institutions have received new functions, and new functional zones have appeared in their structure. All this determines features of the architecture of the rural center of cultural services. Architectural and planning is the organization of the auditorium, stage and ancillary facilities; circle-studio zone with interactive equipment; areas for folk and religious celebrations, festivals, fairs; areas of the National Museum and exhibitions of works of fine and decorative arts. Architectural environment design: adherence to the principles of safe, energy-saving environment; principles of space composition, color scheme, lighting, landscaping; use of traditional building materials and elements of folk architecture. The topic of the study remains relevant, as in the context of decentralization residents of communities should receive the most useful cultural services, which should be reflected in the organization of architectural and planning decisions of cultural institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]