Team: Diaconu Daniela, Solomon Alexandru
Mentor: Prof. Ana Maria Hariton
Location: Berceni, Bucharest, Romania
Year: 2013, 5th year, 2nd term
Software used: Archicad, 3dsMax, Vray, Photoshop
Year: 2013, 5th year, 2nd term
Software used: Archicad, 3dsMax, Vray, Photoshop
The project aimed to analyze and solve a common urban situation in contemporary Bucharest. Social housing of the 50’s and 60’s might have solved the housing shortage but the level of comfort is falling short of current standards. Under these circumstances, the functional rehabilitation of the complex was taken into consideration, allowing more interventions that regard not only improving the exterior aspect of the buildings but also the increase of domestic comfort.
Apart from the thermic rehabilitation of the buildings, the existing flats were improved by adding terraces and balconies, and changes in the internal division. Also, a part of the flats at ground level have been transferred in exchange for superior suites on the newly created top floors. The resulting spaces would be of public use, comprising of after-schools, pharmacies, mini-markets or gathering and leisure areas. The general plan of the complex was also rethought in order to create better links and access between buildings.
The concept of the project was to create a central point in the complex, a gathering place for the residents, to offer all amenities, create paths leading to and from the main area, ultimately, to offer all the possibilities to bring together and strengthen the community.
In order not to tamper with the original structure, the added balconies and extra top floors are sustained by a system of metal scaffolds that are self-carried and anchored by the “host” block. The 10 floor block becomes the focal point of the project by turning its first two floors into public spaces for the residents and adding promenades leading towards it.
One of the main features of the rehabilitation projects is the system of balconies, though as complementary to the initial area of each unit. Supported by a metal structure, independent of the main building, the balconies feature high windows and wood panels which are interchangeable, allowing the residents to choose their positions as it suits their needs. Each unit has received the same added areas, even if the position of the balconies might differ.
