01.07.2022
The architectural complex designed by UNStudio for the international competition organized in Iași by IULIUS company was selected by a specialist jury as the winning solution for an upcoming development set to become a contemporary landmark in the downtown area of the city.
Described by the members of the jury as “the most complete and balanced answer to the complete set of criteria in the competition theme,” the project proposed by UNStudio provided a highly creative and innovative solution to all the challenges generated by the specific features of this valuable and dominant historic and cultural heritage-laden site.
After two days of deliberations, the jury comprised of architects Șerban Țigănaș, Augustin Ioan, Dragoș Ciolacu, Mihai Corneliu Drișcu, and Matei Bogoescu, and historian Cătălin Turliuc, specialized in terms of heritage, urban planning, contemporary architecture and public realm enhancement, named the winner of the international architecture competition that challenged contenders to propose a contemporary architectural complex that would complete the current urban landscape of downtown Iași, that is defined by iconic landmarks of various architectural ages.
The four solutions submitted by the reputable architecture firms that were invited have equally demonstrated remarkable depth of research and knowledge of the complex and particular context of the construction site for the upcoming development. The strategies for addressing this context have been different, none of them failing to pay attention to the quality of public spaces, to the essential views toward historical monuments, to nature and the social component, and to highlighting recent archaeological discoveries in the area.
“Bridging Time, Bridging Communities”
The project was created by UNStudio from Amsterdam architects and was developed following the “develop around the theme of City Horizon” principle. In its reasoning, the jury concludes that “the volume is flat and the lowest of all the proposals. The horizon of the city is in fact an extension of the plateau of the Palace of Culture Square, which lends itself to a 360 degrees panoramic view of Iasi and its urban scape. The spatial connection between upper and lower levels of the site is mediated by the planted parcourse, a real oasis.”
IULIUS Company has organized this competition, wanting to develop a project based on the city residents’ vision, the expectations of a community and the aspirations of a generation.
