KULTURSTADT – German Cultural Center

Alex is a passionate young graduate of the Faculty of Architecture in Iași, involved in all 6 years of study in volunteer activities and student development and promotion projects. With a strong inclination towards the humanistic side, his work in the design workshop reflects this clear perspective on involvement in community projects. The passion for history, and especially for the history of the communities that have influenced the Romanian space over time, determined the direction of approach regarding the project to complete the studies. Always eager to learn and experience new things, he wants to constantly develop his skills, regardless of the environment in which he finds himself.

Proposed in the medieval heart of the former German fortresses in Romania, the concept is positioned in the proximity of the historic city of KRONSTADT, to respond to the essential need of a conservation center for the heritage values of the community. From the point of view of the architectural discourse, the proposal follows the passage of a space that takes us through the vast history and significance of the place. I decided to pursue a language that highlighted the character of the German community, suggesting durability, stability and the image of a job well done. A formula for the building to retain its monolithic appearance and protective character appropriate in such an approach. Thus, I metaphorized the building itself into memory, preservation, and safety. The intention was to convey the message, but without the presence of the ensemble becoming invasive. I sought to approach an image built from clear lines, which would respect the conceptual requirements and, more than that, the real requirements of an intervention like this: safety, firmness, durability. Thus, through the course created and through the coherence of the spaces, but also alongside the proposed pieces of furniture, the exhibit is put in the center of attention and is presented to the community in a scenario that accentuates the emotion. The visual limitation to the Black Church and the unique visual opening to the Straja Citadel represent approaches that seek to maximize the cultural heritage of the community, transforming these two architectural landmarks into essential exhibits of the created path. The approach, both at the level of the interior spaces and at the level of the light study, is an indirect one and is made concrete by highlighting the message found at a volumetric and conceptual level. The direction of the light is a perceptible element that I wanted to highlight by being able to control it at the maximum level. The intention to close the volume comes from the desire to provide an hermetic space in which the exhibit can be highlighted to its maximum potential by directing the space. The possibility of complete closure creates a symbolic duality, which provides a protective status for the cultural heritage of the Saxons, protected by the tectonic walls that refer to the symbolism of the fortress. Also, by reopening the volume and perspectives to the heritage landmarks, the space is symbolically returned to the community.