104 – MR2912 – KXL STUDIO SRL

Autor principal / Main Author: Arh. Urb. Andrei-Lucian Nistor

Coautori / Co-authors: Arh. Alexandru Grindeanu

Colaboratori arhitectură / Architectural collaborators: Arh. Andreea Netejoru, Arh. Iulia Kontra, Arh. Lavinia Erceanu, Arh. Maram al Yaqoubi, Arh. Roxana Nistor, Arh. Alex Bunea, Arh. Tudor Rusu

Colaboratori specialități / Specialty collaborators: Urb. Vlad – Andrei Nour, Urb. peisagist Iulia – Nicoleta Sabău, Urb. peisagist Isabelle Tomescu, Ec. Alina Mătușa (Georgescu)

DEVELOPMENT VISION (1st Objective)

For establishing a medium and long-term urban development of the Rulmentul industrial site, we aimed to combine the memory of the place with a forward-looking direction to address current and future functional needs effectively. Given the site’s clear morphology as a former aviation space rather than just a factory, along with local and global considerations such as the recent construction of the Brasov airport and the growing demand for skilled personnel in the aviation sector, we have chosen to orient the future development of this post-industrial site towards aviation.

This development will incorporate functions that meet the needs of the neighborhood and the city, encouraging the cultural component of the site while also promoting the establishment of educational institutions dedicated to aviation and beyond.

City-Connections:

The proposed development complements the existing infrastructure (concentrated around 13th of December Street) with two additional connection zones to the city center. The first is represented by the extension of Tudor Arghezi Street, while the second is located in the eastern area of the site, linking both Timis Triaj Park and future developments in the Sanpetru locality, which is currently poorly connected to the city center. The circular train line, which connects to the central station, will facilitate visits to the site and improve connections between the serviced neighborhoods. Additionally, the infrastructure for light mobility will be developed along the Timis River, forming a green corridor, as well as throughout the site.

Existing Built Areas:

The hangars have served as the focal point of the interventions due to their historical and symbolic value; they have been restored to their original appearance, while later additions hold little intrinsic value. In the case of Hangar 6, the structure of the extensions has been preserved as a testament to the scale of the hall during its peak importance. For the Strungărie, we chose to retain the structure of the roof and the key directions in the construction. The former hall transforms into a park with an educational role, showcasing a rich botanical collection that, through its structure, reminds visitors of the character and industrial scale of the space.

The power plant serves as the center of the site, being the most visible point and situated at the intersection of several axes within the site. Here, we have created a central outdoor event space, while the former power station building functions as a complementary venue for cultural events. The tower remains a visible landmark, organizing and dominating the space of the former industrial platform.

GREEN/PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN (2nd Objective)

The green space proposal draws from a detailed analysis of the existing landscape from the industrial era and the spontaneous vegetation that emerged in the post-industrial period. Designed to become the focal element of the entire ensemble, the green space will expand and integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic and adaptable landscape.

REHABILITATION OF THE HANGAR 6 COMPLEX (3rd Objective)

Hangar 6, the last remaining structure from the historic 1st Bombardment Flotila Complex, is positioned at the end of the main compositional axis. The building comprises three primary sections. Our vision for its rehabilitation focuses on restoring the forge and primary heat treatment areas from the original Flotila period, while preserving key structural elements from the other two sections, which were added later.

GREEN/PUBLIC SPACE DESIGN

Porous Spaces

The green space proposal is based on an analysis of the existing landscaping from the industrial period and the character formed by spontaneous vegetation during the post-industrial era. We chose to propose various approaches for public areas with the goal of creating a porous structure for the spaces and preparing the site for the continuously evolving needs of its users. The public spaces on the site can be divided into areas with distinct characteristics and can be grouped into educational, relaxation, and exploration zones.

One approach focuses on informal education, exemplified by the former structures of the turning shop, which become spaces dedicated to understanding the decontamination process and interpreting the industrial heritage and its impact on nature. This space will remain in a constant state of change, ultimately forming ecological and social ecosystems around the remnants of the former factory and the local community. Another approach that complements the idea of site porosity is the introduction of a system of unprogrammed spaces, offering new ways of using public areas. Through users creativity, these spaces will develop their own unique identities.

Industrial Landscapes:

Various industrial elements are revealed within the areas of spontaneous vegetation integrated into the proposal, helping to define and organize the spaces in the exploration park zone. The preserved structures around Hangar 6 guide users and provide a post-industrial frame towards the view of Tampa Mountain, while the former industrial railway lines shape the pathways through the public areas. Together, these elements form an industrial cultural landscape, which not only serves as a foundation for activities but also generates new meanings and interactions centered around the memory of the place.

Relation with site history:

Each part of the site’s history is incorporated into the design. The original aviation character is reinforced through the orientation of the central space, the industrial period is uncovered in the exploration park and the bioremediation garden, while the post-industrial era is reflected in the dense spontaneous vegetation areas.

River Connection:

Unlike during the industrial period, the Timis River is brought to the forefront, with the barrier between the site and the river dematerialized to a tree line and the adition of a series of squares along the river. Additionally, water is introduced into the site to create sensory experiences and to contribute to both soil decontamination and ecological restoration.

he transformation and rehabilitation of Hangar 6 begins primarily with restoring it to its original form within the complex, integrating the function of a cultural center into the trajectory and functionality of the hangars, thus becoming the core of future development. The structure of the halls added over time is preserved as a testament to their existence. In the proposed design, this structure serves to organize the outdoor space.

HANGAR 6

The theme of aviation throughout the campus is reflected in Hangar 6 through its main entrance. The central space shapes the visual relationship of the observer with both Mount Tampa and the Timis River. The layout aids in creating and channeling air currents through the building. The incline of the main entrance is intended to amplify the effect of an airplane taking off, serving as a metaphor for visitors ‘ascension’  towards knowledge and socialization. Large glass openings connect the main functions created by the placement of the access, Creative Hub and Educational Center, providing natural light and inviting public engagement. Visitors “land” in the space dedicated to reading. The reading rooms “float” above the bookstore, enclosed in glass. The partition panel is movable, which makes the space flexible and is able to provide different zones.

The transition to the multifunctional room occurs beneath the main access. This room retains the theme of the smaller workshop areas of the bookstore, extrapolating it to the scale of the multifunctional hall.  The room is enclosed with semi-opaque glass, while sound panels covered with wood have a folding system for moments when the room is in use. Glass, open space and free height amplify the sensation of people seeing and being seen, Influences behavior and interpersonal relationships in public zones. The permeability of the space offers an inclusive functioning of Hangar 6, both at the micro level of the individual’s interaction with the interior space and at the macro level of the connection between the interior and exterior spaces.