Raluca Trifa | UAUIM - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Raluca Trifa
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
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.
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.
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.