2024 Rulmentul, Brașov
The jury evaluation of the projects submitted in the „RULMENTUL, BRASOV” International Design Competition, officially launched on 3rd of June 2024, took place between the 11th and 14th October, 2024. The Competition was organized by the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), with the support of OAR Brașov, Covasna, Harghita Territorial Branch, together with the Contracting Authority – the Municipality of Brașov.
The main objective of the competition was to select the best solution for the urban regeneration of the former Rulmentul Industrial Site, in order to commission the design services contract.
The competition aims for the urban regeneration of the Rulmentul Industrial Site Brasov, through:
- establishing a medium and long-term urban development vision for the regeneration of the Rulmentul Industrial Site;
- the design of a green/public space with an area of approximately 11 hectares, including the design of unbuilt areas, and also the development of existing buildings in the indicated perimeter, an objective that will be designed to become the main element of the whole ensemble, being able to connect future functions placed around the perimeter;
- the rehabilitation of a number of ascertained heritage value (Hangar 6 Complex) and their transformation into a cultural center.
32 teams of architecture offices presented themselves at the competition, of which 26 were from Romania – Bucharest, Cluj, Sibiu, Timișoara, Constanța, the remaining 6 being international associations from Germany, France, Denmark, Croatia.
A project that proposes a visionary, authentic and innovative development of the current Rulmentul Industrial Platform, which will preserve over 60% of the space to be a public park and lead to the development of the entire city, including the town of Sânpetru, won the International Design Competition , organized by the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), in partnership with the Brașov, Covasna, Harghita Territorial Branch of the OAR, Contracting Authority – Brasov City Hall, between June 3, 2024 and October 14, 2024. The project was proposed by JB ARHITECTURA, ADN BIROU OF ARCHITECTURE, BEROS ABDUL ASSOCIATED ARCHITECTS.
The results of the competition were announced on Tuesday, 15th October 2024, H 12:30, during a press conference hosted by Business center, technology transfer and business incubator C A T T I A Brasov.
The event was live streamed on the official Facebook page of the Organizer, OAR Competitions and of the Contracting Authority – the Municipality of Brasov.
AWARDED PRIZES
- 1ST PRIZE: the estimated value of the design services contract – 2.274.000 EUR without VAT (11.324.520,00 RON* without VAT)
- 2ND PRIZE: 42.016 EUR without VAT (209.000,00 RON* without VAT)
- 3RD PRIZE: 25.142 EUR without VAT (125.210,09 RON* without VAT)
- MENTION: 8.403 EUR without VAT (41.848,74 RON* without VAT)
- MENTION: 8.403 EUR without VAT (41.848,74 RON* without VAT)
- MENTION: 8.403 EUR without VAT (41.848,74 RON* without VAT)
STATEMENT OF THE JURY
The purpose of the Rulmentul International Competition was to select the best solution for the urban regeneration of Northern Brasov, which is in general a large-scale and long-lasting process that requires an integrated, multidisciplinary and phased approach. This vision has to serve society as a cultural act of public interest and has to be in compliance with the provisions of the force of Romanian legislation regarding the designation of public procurement contracts.
The former industrial Rulmentul platform is one of the most important and last real estate reserves of the city of Brasov, comparable to the size of the Old Citadel. Since the City of Brasov is owner of the majority of land (32,54 ha of 52 ha), there is a favorable potential for an initial implementation of the vision, which is rarely given. Through successive transformations during the 20th century, the site has become witness of significant moments that characterize the industrial past, which could serve as a cornerstone for its future development.
But although it has great spatial potential, the site lacks an integral concept and approach that would use its intrinsic potential, show its values and offer a vision of its future in terms of preservation of industrial heritage, content and possibilities of use.
The jury appreciates the intention of the city authorities to revitalize the site into a contemporary public park and to launch an international competition, in order to get the best solution for its conservation of authentical traces, reactivation, design and revitalization. The interest of 32 participants who submitted the project to propose ideas for the improvement of this complex and interesting site, and the diversity of their approaches, clearly show that the competition was necessary, and the competition brief was thoroughly prepared and organized by the ROA. It equally proves the international attention given to this specific brief for the former industrial Rulmentul platform, as a milieu of industrial heritage relicts in upgrowing vegetation since multiple decades.
The jury analyzed and reflected upon the proposals and discussed among them many remarkable proposals. Multiple visions were proposed for the industrial heritage site, which is why the jury had the very demanding task of classifying and carefully evaluating each of the proposals in accordance with all evaluation criteria of the proposed solutions.
The jury especially appreciated the projects that researched, analyzed and creatively reflected on the existing qualities of the industrial built and natural traces, as well as reflected on aspects, like identity, history, memory. Concepts, which developed a complexity of landscape, industrial relics and built elements, offering solutions for urban issues, connections and lacking social facilities, were particularly evaluated. The jury also reflected landscape and urban design aspects, closely related to the preservation of the industrial heritage and ecological dimensions, which are key to the vision of the future of the public park as a new urban spine, which inherits the character of an emphatically green urban zone.
The jury embarked on a deep analysis, in order to recognize projects that represent a transition between the existing qualities of the space into their perfected, carefully thought out, socially and ecologically responsible and quality designed visionary proposal. In other words, the jury was looking for the right balance between existing and new, projects that use existing qualities and introduce new ones, which recognize and preserve the historical and physical, tangible and intangible qualities of the space, but at the same time offer new possibilities to live in this unique neighborhood or to visit it. The jury also look into concepts, which had a synergistical potential and which could be co-developed between neighboring communities, e.g. Brașov and Sanpetru.
The Jury thanks all participants for their inputs and congratulate the winning teams for their inspiring reading and visions for the site.
Following the Jury debates the winning projects were selected:
1st PRIZE
Project no 121 – AJ1001 – JB ARHITECTURA, ADN BIROU DE ARHITECTURĂ, BEROS ABDUL ARHITECȚI ASOCIAȚI
Main authors: JBA – Johannes Andreas Bertleff, Dana Cucoreanu; ADNBA – Andrei Șerbescu, Eduard Untaru, Roberta Frumușelu, Adrian Untaru; BAA – Christian Beros
Co-autor: Alexandru Belenyi, Diana Valentina Bogdan, Liviu Creoșteanu, Raluca Grecea, Andrei Mitrea
Architectural collaborators: Amina Alchihabi, Sebastian Balaci, Mara Bejan, Ruxandra Chiriță, Simina Cîrneanu, Iris Comănescu, Ilinca Mărăcine, Andrada Neagu, Sorin Olteanu, Andreas Samanis, Rebecca Tomoială, Ionuț Ursachi, Adrian Bratu (Visualizations), Andrei Răzvan (Visualizations), Antonia Gherasim
Speciality Collaborators: Horia Preduș (Sistematizare Verticală)
“ The project convinces by identifying the existing qualities of the authentical industrial heritage, remnants of past interventions, built traces and natural systems, such as vegetation and the Timis river, as core elements for a new vision for Rulmentul Platform in Brasov.
The concept is rehabilitating the site, characterized as a non-hierarchical industrial landscape, by reusing the existing and reactivating larger areas, like recent neighborhoods; as an urban fabric around a new central public park which connects the old city of Brasov.
The jury supports the reading of the project, that it is necessary to develop a city-scale strategy to strengthen connections in terms of infrastructure and supply of new facilities (e.g. schools and kindergartens). It proposes to imprint a new route network by connecting to Brasov city center by two additional connecting rings in the south (Zaharia Stancu and Henri Coanda) via roundabouts, as well as to Northern Sanpetru. This concept is convincing in the sense that it emphasizes the view of the pedestrian and cyclists, keeping the site together, without major cuts of infrastructure.
The concept offers an urban vision allowing equally social and ecological regeneration without limiting future special uses, programs or potential developments. The proposed phasing in four time spans of 10 years each seems convincing, as an open process starting with the new public park structure. The balance between new public park structure surfaces seems to be well balanced and in accordance with the brief:
- 63% public park of overall, (of which cca. 50% park, 10% sports in covered park hall C25, 1,5% indoor park hall C25);
- 21% built surfaces;
- 15,2% infrastructure (of which cca.5% for pedestrians, cca.6% shared spaces, 0,4% for bicycles, 2,5% carparks, 1,5% rail).
The vision offers a convincing change of scale, based on strengthening what already exists, offering new moments in genuine places, discovered and mapped in the existing green and soil between the hangars and industrial halls. This new central public park is realized through minimal intervention and management. The development of the natural system and vegetation around the Timis river in the north is a connecting and enriching element to the park, especially between the two landfill hills.
We appreciate this solution for its authenticity.
Overall, it is a thoroughly analyzed, well developed and visionary concept, which has the potential to create a unique site for the people of Brasov and potentially as co-investment with Sanpetru. This project can be a catalyst for the regeneration of Brasov north, as well as an incubator for new urban, economic, social and cultural development for the whole region. The jury recommends this unique project for immediate realization. It should be accompanied by a board of several experts and disciplines in order to ensure the successful long-term implementation of the concept. Participatory processes can be imagined in association with the park development and the museum.
The proposal can be a prototype for the management of former industrial sites in Romania and an innovative example in Europe.” – appreciation of the Jury
2nd PRIZE
Project no 116 – WA2023 – NORMA ARHITECTURĂ ȘI URBANISM SRL, BOCA STEFANIA LILIANA BIA, RECREATIV ARHITECTURA PEISAGERA SRL
Main authors: Afloarei Ioana, Afrasiabi Dariush, Belea Iulia, Boca Ștefania Liliana, Chiorean Andrei Vlad, Coruțiu Mara, Fleșeriu Alexandru Nicolae, Mutnean David, Péter Eszter, Petrovai Raluca, Stoica Radu Nicolae
Co-autor: Ing. peisagist Olteanu Alexandra, hidrolog Tetelea Cristian, ing. peisagist Uglea Andreea Claudia
“The project introduces the concept of “Tabula Scripta” through an extremely thorough analysis of Rulmentul Platfom as a method of approaching the industrial heritage in all its complex aspects at different scales of intervention. This concept allows a further sustainable transformation by adding new layers of uses and meanings, adding value through the proposed revitalization process. In a matter of analysis, the methodology applied is in line with the international approach in the field of industrial heritage.
The project pays particular attention to the site’s environmental legacy. In this sense, the project stresses the role of Rulmentul Platform within the “green belt” of Northern Brasov in the wider ecological intervention and territorial reclaim of existing brownfields.
As requested by the competition brief, the project proposes mixed functions within Rulmentul Platform, in line with the neighboring needs such as public schools, libraries, playgrounds and sport facilities, while addressing the wider social and cultural functional needs at city and regional level through medical centers, exhibition areas, museums and the cultural center (Hangar 6).
The economic aspects of the urban development is addressed through functions that need a private-public collaboration such as the creative hub, housing, and retail amenities.
Concerning directly the green-public area, the jury appreciated the overall approach oriented towards an archeological decoding and unraveling of the built existing layers part of the industrial infrastructure such as underground canals, water basins and pipe racks, proposed for greening, reuse and reintegration in the new park.
The jury appreciates the complexity of the analysis and considers the proposed concept extremely strong.
3rd PRIZE
Project no 110 – AF7877 – SC PLANWERK ARHITECTURĂ ȘI URBANISM SRL
Main authors: arch. Cristina Balogh, Arch. Tiberiu Ciolacu, Arch. Diana Cosman, Arch. Vlad Creoșteanu, Arch. Beatrice-Ana Jijian, Dipl. Eng-Arch. Benjamin Kohl, Arch. Cristina Moldovan, Arch. Tudor Pănescu, Arch. Lucian Șuvaina
Architectural collaborators: arch. Ana-Maria Cosma
Speciality Collaborators: dr. peis Păunița Boancă
“Overall the jury appreciates the proposal as achieving a pragmatic balance between the objectives of the brief and the interests of private and public stakeholders. The concept provides clarity in terms of open and built spaces, delivering precise solutions for them. There is a clear hierarchy of spaces leading users of the site through streets and squares, all sustained by a mix of proposed and protected elements of greenery.
The main open space along the historic hangars links up with the Timis area towards the east end of the site, envisioning a reinvigorated natural area with public access. The Jury highly appreciated the pragmatic approach to the future development scenarios of the site. The envisioned developments north and south of the site are ensuring a well structured urban image, especially with the high rise buildings placed along the Timis, without negatively impacting the existing buildings and values the site encompasses.
It is one of few proposals that very clearly defines the area around Hangar 6 on all sides, while also showing options to densify the area directly adjacent to the hangar and enrich the urban landscape. As such the proposal defines clear opportunities for private stakeholders in later stages, without compromising the core requirements of the brief and upholding the ambition to generate a site unique to Brasov and the Rulmentul Platform.
The overall functional mix on the site is appreciated, but the decision to propose public functions on privately owned land without a convincing integration of existing buildings lacks argumentation and delays eventual public and private investment, casting insecurities. The functional complex around the market hall and urban gardens reflects contemporary topics of sustainability but lacks in overall stringency for the specific location within the site and Brasov area.” – appreciation of the Jury
1st MENTION
Project no 100 – NR2410 – ATELIER MASS – NEW ENVIRONMENTS – STUDIO DE PEISAJ ANA HORHAT – BLU.works
Main authors: ATELIER MASS (Silviu Aldea, Camelia Sisak, Tamás Sisak) + NEW ENVIRONMENTS (Giacomo Gallo, Robert Younger)
Co-autor: SAH (Ana Horhat), BLU.works (Jacopo Gennari Feslikenian)
Architectural collaborators: Violeta Frișan, Robert Vasiluț, Roxana Udrescu, Cristian Duda, Vlad Birtaș, Andreea Ștefănescu (Atelier MASS), Abhinand Krishnakumar Menon (BLU.works)
Specialty Collaborators: Felicia Radoviciu, Teodora Pascu, Ivona Svinți-Nechita (landscaping), Teodora Constantinescu, Oana Paraschiv (urban planning), Bogdan Simionescu (visuals)
“ The proposal responds to the brief with a clear urban development concept for the competition site. The wider area to be developed under inclusion of private stakeholders is well addressed by laying out a precisely structured network of public spaces, carefully densified areas and a good mix of functions aimed at maximizing activity on the site. ” – appreciation of the Jury
2nd MENTION
Project no 119 – RR0806 – STUDIO 82
Main authors: Octav Silviu OLĂNESCU, Anamaria OLĂNESCU, Andrada MAIER-DRĂGAN, Petrică MAIER-DRĂGAN, Oana Antonia FILIP
“ The proposal considers the Rulmentul site as a resource for the city of Brasov both in terms of cultural identity and spatial-ecological development, and this is appreciated by the jury being also in line with the brief.” – appreciation of the Jury
3rd MENTION
Project no 130 – AZ4891 – ATELIER OLIMPIA ONCI SRL
Main authors: Marius Stelian Găman, Ana-Maria Branea, Olimpia Onci-Isopescu
Architectural collaborators: David-Alexandru Dumitrescu, Evelina Ursatii, Bogdan Liviu Isopescu, Miruna Trașcă
Speciality Collaborators: Alexandru Ciobotă
“The proposal builds upon the concept of “palimpsest”, considering the site as a complex stratification of history and nature. It advocates for its physical and functional reclamation towards the definition of new hybrid urban landscape.” – appreciation of the Jury
HONORARY MENTION
Project no 108 – AB0303 – MWARH ATELIER SRL
Main authors: MWARH ATELIER S.R.L.
“The jury appreciated the proposal focused on the post-industrial revitalization process through participatory planning that could trigger a long-term and sustainable intervention on the Rulmentul Platform, enhancing the industrial heritage in its tangible and intangible aspects.” – appreciation of the Jury
The exhibition of all the projects participating in the competition can be visited at Business center, technology transfer and business incubator C A T T I A Brasov.
The Contracting Authority of the competition is The Municipality of Brasov, owner and administrator of the land located in the intervention area of the competition, which will become the beneficiary of the projects contracted as a result of this competition.
The competition is organized by the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), in accordance with the OAR Good Practices Guide for Design Competitions (edited in Romanian – Ghidul de bune practici în organizarea concursurilor de soluții OAR, rev. 2022), in compliance with the provisions of the legislation in force regarding the award of public procurement contracts. The Design Competition is a public, single-stage competition, open to Romania, all countries of the European Union, of the European Economic Area, and to the Swiss Confederation. The design competition is organized as an independent procedure, in accordance with art. 105 letter a) of Law no. 98/2016 regarding public procurement, and subsequently, pursuant to provisions under art. 104 para. (7) of the same law, the design services contract is to be awarded to the winner of the competition, following a negotiation procedure without prior publication of a participation announcement.
The urban and architectural development of the city through the selection of solutions by open competition is a practice of good intentions, transparent decision-making and selection on the basis of value.
COMPETITION JURY
- Full Members
- landscape arch. Iris Dupper
- landscape arch. Dominika Tihanyi
- arch. Oana Țiganea
- urb. Marcello Modica
- arch. Christoph Jantos
- arch. Dragoș Oprea – Reprezentative of the AC
- arch. urb. Rudolf Gräf
- Deputy Members
- arch. Ilinca Păun Constantinescu
- urb. Raluca Baco – Reprezentative of the AC
Apart from the jury, the following persons were present without voting rights:
- arch. Radu-Tudor Ponta – Professional Advisor;
- arch. Laura Covaci – Professional Advisor;
- arch. Mirona Crăciun – OAR Competitions Counsellor, Competition Coordinator;
- arch. Raisa Parpală – OAR Competitions, Jury Secretary
- urb. Louisiana Stoica – OAR Competitions, Jury Secretary
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