Organizator:
Ordinul Arhitecților din România (OAR);
Autoritatea Contractantă – Primăria Municipiului Brașov
Autoritatea Contractantă – Primăria Municipiului Brașov
Funcțiune:
regenerarea urbană a fostei platforme industriale „Rulmentul”, Brașov.
An:
2024
Co-autori:
stud. arh. Radu Ștefănescu, stud. arh. Nadia Sticleț
Colaborator specialitate:
Ștefan Manea (peisagist)
Short intro
“After completing our analysis of the Rulmentul industrial site, we identified a series of strengths that we believe should be central elements around which we base our proposal: the route defined by the oldest buildings (hangars 11-15) as the main central axis, the very high potential of the existing industrial heritage, the proximity to the Timiș River, and the site’s accessibility from the city centre (easy access by car, public transport, bicycle, or even by train if the existing railway network were to be extended).”
Concept – general ideas
“Our proposal is based on selecting predominantly unique functions for the city of Brașov that will offer a wide variety of activities for people of all ages. This variety also provides multiple potential sources of revenue, establishing the groundwork for an investment based on financial sustainability.
“After completing our analysis of the Rulmentul industrial site, we identified a series of strengths that we believe should be central elements around which we base our proposal: the route defined by the oldest buildings (hangars 11-15) as the main central axis, the very high potential of the existing industrial heritage, the proximity to the Timiș River, and the site’s accessibility from the city centre (easy access by car, public transport, bicycle, or even by train if the existing railway network were to be extended).”
Concept – general ideas
“Our proposal is based on selecting predominantly unique functions for the city of Brașov that will offer a wide variety of activities for people of all ages. This variety also provides multiple potential sources of revenue, establishing the groundwork for an investment based on financial sustainability.
While Hangar 15 will be repurposed as a Cultural Hub, hangars 12, 13, and 14 will serve as a small sports arena, a multifunctional hall for theatre and cinema festivals, and an Aviation Museum respectively, given the history of the industrial platform. At the same time, building 25 will have a multitude of varied functions: a park with small sports fields, a botanical garden, a butterfly conservatory, an urban garden for small-scale gardening, a food market where people will be able to eat, and a large outdoor terrace in the style of a german “bier-garten” where larger events such as concerts can be hosted. This building is partially open, with certain segments of the roof removed. Building 16 is located near a large skate and mountain bike park and will house partially covered parts of their trails.
We aimed for this large-scale conversion and urban regeneration project to redefine the industrial platform while simultaneously preserving its historical identity and the memorial value attached to the industrial heritage buildings.
The existing structures identified as valuable in the historic study have been kept intact. We wanted this conservative approach to highlight the existing built fabric. However, we proposed the removal of buildings identified in the historical study as lacking architectural value, either completely (such as building 25d) or partially (like buildings 15c, 16, 25a, or 25c). In the case of these buildings, only the load-bearing structures and cladding were preserved.
Buildings 15 and 25 are the main points of interest, and for this reason, we chose to use the existing structures to create covered outdoor public spaces that act as transitional areas between the exterior and interior.
The central pathway defined by the facades of hangars 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, along with their rhythmic pattern, is the main axis of our proposal, with both pedestrian walkways and bike paths arranged around this direction, articulated around circular urban furniture structures. These resemble bearings in their shape and volume. The winding pathways dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists begin at the main entrance (from 13 Decembrie Boulevard) and extend throughout the site, reaching all corners of it. Along these organic routes, we encounter the previously mentioned structures that serve the following functions: workshops for educational activities, food and beverage points, small coffee shops, shaded resting areas, playgrounds for children, toilets, and open air fitness areas.
We aimed for this large-scale conversion and urban regeneration project to redefine the industrial platform while simultaneously preserving its historical identity and the memorial value attached to the industrial heritage buildings.
The existing structures identified as valuable in the historic study have been kept intact. We wanted this conservative approach to highlight the existing built fabric. However, we proposed the removal of buildings identified in the historical study as lacking architectural value, either completely (such as building 25d) or partially (like buildings 15c, 16, 25a, or 25c). In the case of these buildings, only the load-bearing structures and cladding were preserved.
Buildings 15 and 25 are the main points of interest, and for this reason, we chose to use the existing structures to create covered outdoor public spaces that act as transitional areas between the exterior and interior.
The central pathway defined by the facades of hangars 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, along with their rhythmic pattern, is the main axis of our proposal, with both pedestrian walkways and bike paths arranged around this direction, articulated around circular urban furniture structures. These resemble bearings in their shape and volume. The winding pathways dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists begin at the main entrance (from 13 Decembrie Boulevard) and extend throughout the site, reaching all corners of it. Along these organic routes, we encounter the previously mentioned structures that serve the following functions: workshops for educational activities, food and beverage points, small coffee shops, shaded resting areas, playgrounds for children, toilets, and open air fitness areas.
This symbolism is also reflected in both the landscape design and the details of the interior spaces.
Another important aspect for us was to highlight the viaducts, concrete elements that evoke the industrial past of the platform. Thus, we proposed mirroring the route defined by the viaducts with a suspended walkway that offers another perspective of the entire industrial park, as well as a beautiful view of the Carpathian Mountains and Tâmpa Peak from certain vantage points.
Overall, we aimed for the combination of the multiple functions proposed for this park to give it an identity that transcends generational or cultural differences, offering points of interest for all members of society. We want this industrial park to be a landmark for the city of Brașov, a space referred to simply as ‘Rulmentul,’ regardless of the specific interests that any individual may have.
Landscaping
The selection and arrangement of a wide variety of tree species aims to create a backdrop of abundant vegetation for the industrial park. Certain species are used as visual landmarks with an identity role, being associated with distinctive elements:
Access points are marked with bald cypresses (Taxodium), which, along with birches (Betula), follow the promenade adjacent to the river.
Beeches (Fagus Sylvatica Fastigiata), along with magnolias (Magnolia Grandiflora) and dog roses (Rosa canina), line the pathway of the viaducts. In this composition, the blooming magnolia provides a color accent, while the beech and dog rose, being evergreen plants, ensure pleasant coloring even in winter.
Grafted black locusts (Robinia Pseudoacacia) and Japanese cherries (Prunus Pissardii) are used in open, covered areas as they do not grow to large sizes.
Platanus (Platanus Acerifolia) line the main pedestrian pathways and mark a defined grid at the intersection of the axes of halls 25 and 15, in the central square area, as they reach very large sizes and provide shade.
Another important aspect for us was to highlight the viaducts, concrete elements that evoke the industrial past of the platform. Thus, we proposed mirroring the route defined by the viaducts with a suspended walkway that offers another perspective of the entire industrial park, as well as a beautiful view of the Carpathian Mountains and Tâmpa Peak from certain vantage points.
Overall, we aimed for the combination of the multiple functions proposed for this park to give it an identity that transcends generational or cultural differences, offering points of interest for all members of society. We want this industrial park to be a landmark for the city of Brașov, a space referred to simply as ‘Rulmentul,’ regardless of the specific interests that any individual may have.
Landscaping
The selection and arrangement of a wide variety of tree species aims to create a backdrop of abundant vegetation for the industrial park. Certain species are used as visual landmarks with an identity role, being associated with distinctive elements:
Access points are marked with bald cypresses (Taxodium), which, along with birches (Betula), follow the promenade adjacent to the river.
Beeches (Fagus Sylvatica Fastigiata), along with magnolias (Magnolia Grandiflora) and dog roses (Rosa canina), line the pathway of the viaducts. In this composition, the blooming magnolia provides a color accent, while the beech and dog rose, being evergreen plants, ensure pleasant coloring even in winter.
Grafted black locusts (Robinia Pseudoacacia) and Japanese cherries (Prunus Pissardii) are used in open, covered areas as they do not grow to large sizes.
Platanus (Platanus Acerifolia) line the main pedestrian pathways and mark a defined grid at the intersection of the axes of halls 25 and 15, in the central square area, as they reach very large sizes and provide shade.
Hangar 15
Hangar 15 is one of the main points of interest. Buildings 15a and 15b will be refurbished after the partial demolition of building 15c. From this, we proposed keeping the structural framework and the roof, thus creating an open air covered square area. The new function of this structure will be a cultural center, which will host a multifunctional hall, rehearsal rooms, music rooms, a makerspace, an educational center with classrooms and workshops, a café, and residences for artists. All these functions will be housed in independent structures, adhering to the overall approach of proposing reversible and minimally intrusive interventions. Most of these rooms will be contained in “boxes” covered with frosted glass, designed with the introverted character necessary for their functions. These “box” type elements are connected by an amorphous suspended structure that enhances the perception of the interior space and provides an interesting view of the Timiș River, a perspective that is inaccessible from the ground floor.
For the same reason, body 15b is organized with a café facing the square and an elevated platform towards the Timiș River, from which a better view can be offered.
Hangar 15 is one of the main points of interest. Buildings 15a and 15b will be refurbished after the partial demolition of building 15c. From this, we proposed keeping the structural framework and the roof, thus creating an open air covered square area. The new function of this structure will be a cultural center, which will host a multifunctional hall, rehearsal rooms, music rooms, a makerspace, an educational center with classrooms and workshops, a café, and residences for artists. All these functions will be housed in independent structures, adhering to the overall approach of proposing reversible and minimally intrusive interventions. Most of these rooms will be contained in “boxes” covered with frosted glass, designed with the introverted character necessary for their functions. These “box” type elements are connected by an amorphous suspended structure that enhances the perception of the interior space and provides an interesting view of the Timiș River, a perspective that is inaccessible from the ground floor.
For the same reason, body 15b is organized with a café facing the square and an elevated platform towards the Timiș River, from which a better view can be offered.