A GARDEN FULL OF HOUSES. RESTRUCTURING THE IN-BETWEEN SPACES OF THE LATE ROMANIAN SOCIALIST BLOCKS. SOCIAL HOUSING.

During the process of urbanization, under the communist regime , in the the late 70's in Romania, many of important cities lost most of their traditional urban fabric. This was also the case of Cluj-Napoca, where Mărăști neighbourhood was built over the traditional village. The type that was used for building was an 8 or 9 stories collective housing block that is shaped by its height and the exterior boulevards, resulting approximately an urban block. What was neglected then, and now is chaos, was the in-between space of the block. The brief calls for this particular space to be ressurected.

‘A GARDEN FULL OF HOUSES’ is an urban intervention that redefines an underutilized space into a structured and vibrant environment. The project integrates architecture and urban design to create a new realm that fosters community interaction while preserving nature within the city. This transformation introduces a coherent spatial identity, replacing a general parking area with a functional and aesthetically engaging green space. Key urban nodes, such as the Mărăști market, parking space, and typography hall, serve as anchors for this redevelopment. While the typography hall maintains its role, the market and parking areas are repurposed to accommodate commercial, recreational, and social activities. A defining feature of the project is the introduction of a linear architectural element that structures the urban landscape while preserving ample space for a communal garden. The residential units are designed with individual private gardens that seamlessly connect to the communal green space, ensuring a blend of privacy and openness. Two distinct inner spaces shape the project’s identity. The architectural object along 21 December Street creates a dialogue with both the public street and the semi-private backspace, enhancing interaction while maintaining privacy for the living units above. This layered spatial organization contributes to a new urban experience. This intervention transforms the area into an active and engaging urban setting. It represents a forward-thinking vision that integrates theoretical and practical elements, establishing a sustainable and meaningful contribution to city life. The project is a manifesto for contemporary urban living, redefining how people interact with their environment through thoughtful architectural and urban design.