Housing and Creative Space

Architecure Diploma

This project addresses the challenge of urban modernization and the preservation of historical and architectural character in Bucharest’s Ferdinand Boulevard area. The goal was to create a mixed-use development that integrates residential housing with creative spaces for artists, fostering a vibrant community while respecting urban regulations. The project aims to revitalize the area by combining contemporary living with artistic expression, ensuring both social and economic benefits.

Key Challenges

Urban Integration: The project is located in a protected area, requiring compliance with strict urbanistic regulations to preserve the architectural coherence of the boulevard.
Community Building: The design needed to balance residential needs with the inclusion of public spaces that encourage creativity and interaction among residents and the larger public.
Creative Workspace Design: Alongside housing, the project had to provide functional, adaptable workspaces for artists while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the residential areas.

Site Context & Analysis

The site merges several plots on Ferdinand Boulevard and benefits from proximity to the city center and strong public transport access. Although the area has historical value, recent neglect has led to its urban and architectural degradation. The residential vocation of the area was reinforced by the influx of students and creative professionals, making it an ideal location for a project that integrates living and working spaces.

Design Solution

Residential Program

A combination of 43 apartments ranging from 1-bedroom units to 4-bedroom duplexes, catering to a wide demographic.
The residential blocks are organized into four volumes, blending with the surrounding architecture. The design includes communal spaces for residents, such as meeting rooms, recreational areas, and a shared rooftop terrace.
Apartment units feature additional workspaces to accommodate residents’ creative activities, promoting a live-work lifestyle.

Creative Space Program

Three separate volumes are dedicated to creative workshops for both residents and the public. These include:
- Digital arts spaces on the boulevard, showcasing modern design through clean lines and compact shapes.
- Fine arts workshops (sculpture, painting, ceramics) set back from the boulevard, allowing for outdoor extensions and more open space for artistic activities.
The design promotes interaction between the residential and creative spaces, fostering a strong community dynamic.

Architectural Approach

The project respects the protected area regulations by maintaining continuity with the surrounding architecture, especially on the boulevard front. However, the creative spaces intentionally stand out, using bold forms and materials to signal a new function within the historical fabric.
The internal design includes terraces, loggias, and ground-floor courtyards to enhance interaction between residents and creative professionals.

Technical Details

Plot Area: 4,740 m²
Built Area: 2,764 m²
Usable Area: 11,047 m²
Green Space: 557 m²
Parking: 65 underground spaces using the Klaus system, accessed from both Ferdinand Boulevard and Pictor Ion Andreescu Street.

Conclusion

This project combines residential living and creative workspaces in a way that respects both the historical context and the needs of a modern urban community. The design provides a sustainable and community-driven solution to urban revitalization, promoting cultural engagement and creativity in the heart of the city.