Team: Constantin MEDARU, Dragoș CIOLACU, Alexandra PRĂJAN, Alina VINTILĂ, Emanuela OLARIU, Cristina VARHANIOSCHI
Collaborators: Andreea PAVĂL, Bianca ZETU-APETRII, Alexandra CIOATĂ, Francesca CREȚU
Location: Anastasie Panu St., Iași (RO)
Built Area: 22 336 mp
Stage: Concept Design

This project addresses the revitalization of a central area of Iași, located at the intersection of Anastasie Panu Street and Elena Doamna Street.

While the proposal envisions a residential development, it places particular emphasis on returning the space to the community by activating the ground floor with public functions. The concept is grounded in extensive research, drawing on data from the 1998 Central Area Zonal Urban Plan (PUZ) and the 1999 Iași General Urban Plan (PUG).

The studied site, which has been under observation since 2005, occupies a central position but has long been marked by ambiguity and underutilization. Today, it functions primarily as a transitional green space, structured around pedestrian paths that have lost their original meaning and usability. The project seeks to reclaim this forgotten urban fragment and reintegrate it into the city’s life by creating a dynamic public space that connects key heritage elements such as Barnovschi Church, the “Carmen Sylva” School, and the existing ruins.

From an urban planning perspective, the building is positioned to establish visual connections with key landmarks in the vicinity. The proposed functions are organized around an inner courtyard linking Anastasie Panu Street to Ghica Vodă Street. The ground floor and mezzanine are primarily dedicated to public amenities, including cafés, terraces, and open-air promenades designed for social interaction and relaxation. These spaces are strategically oriented to provide views toward landmarks such as the Bărboi and Barnovschi churches, enriching the visual and cultural experience of both residents and visitors.

Iași is a city with an exceptional historical legacy—one that deserves not only preservation but also thoughtful integration into future development. Throughout our years of research, we have come to understand that inherited architecture does more than endure; it continues to guide us in shaping a city that grows sustainably and harmoniously. This study, which we share with great care, embodies that very principle.