Raluca Trifa - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Raluca Trifa

Caietele Restaurarii , 2024

The present study proposes a detailed analysis of how contemporary interventions affect the archi... more The present study proposes a detailed analysis of how contemporary
interventions affect the architectural heritage of protected built
areas in Bucharest. The research explores both the impact of interventions
at the level of individual buildings and the effects of large-scale
interventions that can significantly alter the urban landscape and the
coherence of historic ensembles. In this context, the analysis includes
an assessment of the way in which historical buildings are managed,
whether classified or not classified as historical monuments, analyzing
both compliant interventions – which contribute to the preservation of
cultural values – and non-compliant ones, which may undermine these
values. The paper also examines the legal aspects, highlighting the legislative
gaps and challenges affecting the effectiveness of cultural heritage
protection. Through case studies from Bucharest, the article provides a
critical evaluation of the interventions carried out, presenting possible
solutions for a more efficient management of architectural heritage in
protected areas.
Keywords: monument, protected built areas, contemporary interventions,
urban context, heritage management

Caietele Restaurării , 2023

Timișoara, one of the most important industrial centres in the Banat region, experienced a period... more Timișoara, one of the most important industrial centres in the Banat region, experienced a period of progress and development starting from the second half of the 19th century, leaving behind a rich industrial heritage. However, in the past decades, many factories of Timișoara have been left in an advanced state of decay, abandoned, or demolished. Local authorities, investors, and the community are currently facing the challenging task of revitalizing former industrial areas in line with the requirements of the local community, often neglecting the preservation of this particular type of heritage.
The article explores the evolution of Timișoara’s industry and the current challenges linked with the conservation and reuse of historical industrial sites. It highlights key moments that generated local economic growth and paved the way for the establishment of major production units, while examining the intricate interplay between industry and the evolution of the city located on the banks of the Bega River.
Considerable attention is given to the recently-demolished former Hat Factory, one of the most significant architectural testaments to Timișoara’s industrial past. In this context, the article suggests a range of prospective strategies for managing and safeguarding the existing industrial heritage in Timișoara, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between authorities, private investors, and the local community in finding viable solutions. In an era of globalization and rapid changes, the protection of industrial heritage becomes a crucial challenge for preserving the identity and memory of this important urban centre.

Keywords: industrial heritage, Hat Factory, rehabilitation, demolishion, Timişoara

Caietele Restaurarii , 2021

For more than three decades, the built heritage of Bucharest’ historical areas is in an advanced ... more For more than three decades, the built heritage of Bucharest’ historical areas is in an advanced state of degradation, being constantly threatened by abandonment, mutilation and abusive demolition. Moreover, contemporary interventions in the protected areas of Romania’s capital city seem to elude the legislation regarding the protection of built heritage and the urban planning regulations, generating fundamental transformations in the structure of the urban fabric, but also the loss of cultural identity. For the moment, the critical situation of the architectural heritage of Bucharest does not seem to have a solution, despite the numerous alarm signals made by a series of organizations concerned with its fate. This paper tries to provide a series of answers regarding the wide spread phenomenon of Bucharest’s cityscape degradation, but also possible solutions for the coherent development of these urban areas.

Transsylvania Nostra Journal, 2020

In 2016, Timisoara won the title of European Capital of Culture for 2021, by a decision mainly ba... more In 2016, Timisoara won the title of European Capital of Culture for 2021, by a decision mainly based on the organisers’ intention to connect and actively involve the members of the Timisoara community in the city’s cultural life. The mosaic of ethnicities, cultures, denominations, and professions specific to the population of Timisoara is closely related to the past of the city on the Bega Canal, which has been the most important industrial urban centre in the region for centuries. However, the industrial ensembles in Timisoara, once an expression of progress and prosperity, have become certain victims of a transition system, now doomed to extinction and oblivion. Fortunately, Timisoara can still profit from the opportunity it was offered four years ago, by directing additional efforts towards safeguarding its industrial heritage at least partially. In this context, an ample discussion on the current condition of the industrial heritage in Timisoara is necessary.

Acta Technica Napocensis: Civil Engineering & Architecture Volume 61, No. 3 , 2018

This article aims to determine whether a coherent urban development of Romanian cities is possibl... more This article aims to determine whether a coherent urban development of Romanian cities is possible with the preservation of the built heritage and its integration in the urban regeneration strategies, by analysing the current situation of the Built Protected Areas (BPA) in Bucharest. A Built
Protected Area includes a land area with a certain density of constructions within the administrative territory of a locality, in which the built frame, the natural environment and the human activities presents (historical) qualities whose protection is of public interest. These areas
are defined and delimited following a number of historical, architectural, urban or landscape studies and through the urbanism documentation of those areas. The delimitation of the protected area is made by the Local Council through the General Urban Plan, in order to protect and
preserve the cultural heritage, through specific detailed regulations and to improve the quality of the environment and the lives of the inhabitants. Currently, Bucharest has 98 Built Protected Areas, which are defining in determining the cultural identity of the city and the identity of its inhabitants.However, the contemporary interventions located in the Built Protected Areas of the City Capital of Romania seem to evade the urbanism regulations and the legislation regarding the protection of
historical monuments. Over the last twenty years, Bucharest has lost a significant number of valuable buildings located in protected areas, many of them being abusively demolished; on the site of these historic buildings new structures emerged, often much taller, disrespecting the
architectural specificity of the area and producing a negative visual impact on the area. Moreover, the impact of these new interventions is perceived by the community members, often with considerable negative effects. These aspects were derived from the author’s experience as a team member of “Catalog București” Project, launched in March 2017 by A.R.C.E.N., in an extensive effort to collect and inventory all the buildings located in the 98 Protected Built Areas of Bucharest. This paper tries to provide a series of answers regarding the situation of all Built Protected Areas of Bucharest, based on “Catalog București” Project conclusions. In this regard, a series of questions arise: What are the causes that led to this disastrous situation of the built heritage in Bucharest? What are the solutions that can put an end or solve, even partially, the continuous
degradation of the urban landscape in the historic areas of Bucharest? The urban development of these areas, in a sustainable manner, by integrating these “islands of identities” - is it possible?

Acta Technica Napocensis: Civil Engineering & Architecture Vol. 59 No. 3 (2016), 2017

As opposed to the current criteria grid of evaluating the built heritage, that largely focus on t... more As opposed to the current criteria grid of evaluating the built heritage, that largely focus on the cultural characteristics of the architectural object, the paper proposes an original methodological model for assessing the reuse potential of historic industrial architecture, by reconsidering, adapting and extending the criteria currently used in the field of historic heritage conservation. Based on a set of criteria taking into account the cultural values to be preserved, but also the economic, social and environmental implications relevant for a sustainable development, the new model proposed offers a valuable theoretical contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the industrial heritage from a new perspective. At the same time it provides a practical instrument, able to support programmes meant to solve in a sustainable manner a wide range of problems generated in our contemporary towns by the presence of derelict industrial units with architectural and historic value. Rezumat Spre deosebire de grila criteriilor actuale de evaluare a patrimoniului construit, care se concentrează în mare măsură pe caracteristicile culturale ale obiectului arhitectural, lucrarea de fata propune un model metodologic original, pentru evaluarea potențialului de reutilizare a arhitecturii industriale istorice, prin reanalizarea, adaptarea și extinderea criteriilor utilizate în prezent în domeniul conservării patrimoniului istoric. Pe baza unui set de criterii, ce tine cont de valorile culturale care urmează să fie conservate, dar si de implicațiile economice, sociale și de mediu relevante pentru o dezvoltare durabilă, noul model propus oferă o contribuție teoretică valoroasă la cunoașterea și înțelegerea patrimoniului industrial dintr-o nouă perspectivă. În același timp, acesta oferă un instrument practic, capabil să sprijine programele menite să rezolve într-un mod durabil o gamă largă de probleme generate de prezența, în orașele noastre contemporane, a unităților industriale dezafectate cu valoare arhitecturală și istorică.

This research proposes the reconsideration of cultural built heritage and its role in revitalizat... more This research proposes the reconsideration of cultural built heritage and its role in revitalization projects, based on the analysis of specific examples of regeneration through Culture. In this paper, the emphasis will be placed on a rather underestimated type of heritage,-the industrial one. As a result, a series of concepts associated with cultural regeneration of former industrial sites will be analysed, in order to illustrate the benefits resulting from the implementation of cultural and creative functions within the industrial areas. Widely, this paper proposes to identify the possible directions of intervention and the existing theoretical approaches regarding the urban regeneration phenomenon through culture, by emphasizing the results obtained through the implementation of projects based on Culture and Creativity.A consistent part of the research focuses on alternative approaches regarding the use of cultural activities in urban regeneration projects. Thus, the author intends to identify the effects resulting from the implementation of cultural strategies based on the regeneration of former industrial sites, used by a large number of European cities in their quest to win the title of "European Capital of Culture" (ECoC) – Glasgow, Liverpool, Essen, Lille, Mons or Pecs. In this regard, a series of questions arise: Can an abandoned, de-structured industrial site become a key tool in urban regeneration projects? What kind of strategies can be adopted in the regeneration process of a former industrial heritage site? Which are the positive and negative effects resulting from the integration of built heritage into the future urban development projects? What is the scale of interventions? What can be preserved and what must be transformed in order to guarantee a successful regeneration project? The answer to these questions is discussed in the present article.

The evolution of the modern city caused a series of changes in relation to industrial architectur... more The evolution of the modern city caused a series of changes in relation to industrial architecture units: from peripheral points, they become core elements within the urban organism. Witness to the development of the city, the existing industrial heritage deserves a second chance, by preserving the valuable elements and proposing new ways of use. The restructuring of the urban tissue must not ignore the valuable buildings dedicated to this architectural program, the former industrial areas becoming a key-tool in urban regeneration projects. In this regard, a series of questions arise: Can the industrial unit become once again a landmark for the community? What are the factors that determine the new way of using the industrial buildings? How can we intervene on an industrial heritage building, while respecting its authenticity and adapting it to new functions? What kind of strategies can be adopted in the regeneration process of a former industrial heritage site? The answer to these questions is discussed in the present paper.

Books by Raluca Trifa

Conservation / Sustainable Design. Heritage Challenges in Historic Urban Landscapes, 2023

Nobody’s Heritage In the development process of historical centers, built heritage is often a sub... more Nobody’s Heritage
In the development process of historical centers, built heritage is often a subject of controversy. Many consider it an obstacle, while others see it as an opportunity. Viewed from the perspective of sustainability, the future of historical centers cannot exist in the absence of built heritage. In this regard, adaptive reuse projects can preserve the cultural values, sense of belonging, and identity associated with heritage buildings, while reflecting the changing needs and requirements of our times. Many European cities (and not only) have demonstrated over the years that heritage can represent an important asset in achieving urban sustainability by reusing and introducing it into the economic circuit. Unfortunately, a considerable number of urban centers continue to face difficulties in achieving this goal, partly due to the large stock of unused historical buildings. Unloved and forlorn, abandoned heritage is under threat, as the absence of functions accelerates the deterioration and can represent a speculative reason for their demolition.
Sadly, one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities has been dealing with the problem of vacant heritage for some time. While the picturesque character and the indisputable quality of the architecture in Porto can charm any visitor, the overwhelming number of abandoned buildings in the central areas of the city can be striking. Some people find beauty and fascination in the romantic perspective associated with obsolete, abandoned spaces . Others, like Gordon Matta-Clark, may use the encasing walls of abandoned buildings scheduled for demolition as a source of inspiration and a framework for their artistic projects. However, the aestheticization of decay does not provide an appropriate answer to the contemporary problems related to derelict architectural heritage. The integrity loss of a historic building, and consequently the associated values, frequently occurs due to abandonment. The absence of function contributes significantly to the accentuation of the degradation process without directly generating an immediate destruction of the material component. Nevertheless, the widespread phenomenon of abandonment has a detrimental effect on the urban image, besides generating significant economic losses, creating fractures in the social strata, and affecting the overall livability of the place.
Despite the extraordinary cultural values already certified by its inscription in 1996 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, within the old city center of Porto, a considerable number of dilapidated areas and abandoned historical buildings can be easily identified, many of them dating from the prosperous period starting from beginning of the 18th century and the end of the 19th century. Following decades of vacancy and the absence of maintenance work, most of this architectural legacy is currently in an advanced state of decay. Consisting mainly of collective housing, modest in scale, and often lacking exceptional value, the derelict historical center areas continue to represent an imminent threat to the future sustainable development of Porto, regardless of consistent efforts made by the local administration to solve these problems.
The issue of abandoned buildings has been a disputed topic over the years, especially after the second half of the last century, along with the generic phenomenon of excessive urbanization. The situation seems paradoxical: in an expanding city, there should not be vacant buildings, especially in the central areas. However, history has shown us that many European cities have faced this scourge at one point or another. In support of this statement, major cities such as Berlin, Barcelona, Le Havre, Venice, Palermo, Lisbon, Porto, and Bucharest are worth mentioning. The factors that contributed to the depopulation and abandonment of historical areas are extremely diverse, being typically related to specific political decisions, changes in the economic sectors and the social component, major transformations of the territory or urban planning strategies, and, occasionally, the devastating consequences of cataclysmic events. In order to fully understand this phenomenon, it is necessary to decipher the causes that generated it and contributed to its perpetuation.
This paper tries to make a contribution in this respect and proposes a detailed analysis of the current situation of the built stock in historical Porto, by examining the responsible factors that led to the abandonment of heritage buildings and the solutions adopted to stop this aggression. The research focuses mainly on Porto’s minor architectural heritage, without exceptional value but coherent in style, form and appearance. At the same time, the paper tries to provide a comparative analysis of Bucharest's historic areas, where the situation of the built heritage is just as worrying, if not even more dramatic.

Arhitectura industrială istorică. Posibilități de recuperare sustenabilă. Cazul Timișoara, 2023

Conservation – Demolition, EAAE Transaction on Architectural Education no. 67, 2020

Although the importance of the built heritage is universally acknowledged due to its multiple ben... more Although the importance of the built heritage is universally acknowledged due to its multiple benefits, in many European cities there seems to be an open conflict between the desire to preserve the historic architecture and the necessity to transform the urban fabric. Consequently, a large number of heritage buildings undergo
irreversible transformations or are completely demolished in order to make place for new developments, without taking into consideration the irreplaceable losses resulting from these aggressive actions. Demolition is causing serious damage to historic cities, as the destruction of built heritage often leads to social disturbance, economic loss and cultural identity. Certainly, there are some exceptions, as a considerable number
of European cities have used the built heritage as an asset in the process of urban regeneration, protecting and enhancing the architectural richness of the past.
This paper tries to provide a series of answers regarding the two concepts that seem antagonistic: the preservation of built heritage and the urban development. The political factor is also questioned, as the relation of the authorities with the inheritance of the past has proved to be a defining element regarding the fate of the built heritage. The research is based on a comparative analysis of the built heritage situation in two European capital cities, Prague and Bucharest.