CIBIN MARKET, Sibiu
Collaborators:
Ruxandra-Maria Popescu, Bogdan Horvat, Robert George Sendroiu
Renderings:
Marsala Images
URBAN FOREST MANIFESTO
Accelerated urbanisation has pushed nature to the outskirts of cities towards specially designed areas such as parks and gardens, representing a definite exile of nature and allowing the robust and scorching asphalt to engulf the spaces left behind thus noticeably altering and influencing day to day life.
Urban Forest proposes a discreet yet tangible return in time in the midst of such an urban setting. The project is stemmed from the desire to improve the quality of life of all residents of Sibiu but also to delight tourists that have come to discover the history and iconic landscape of the city.
The central element of this manifesto is the tree, one of the richest and most widespread symbols on earth. The symbol of life in constant and continuous evolution, the tree represents the cyclical character of the universe: death and rebirth, enabling the union between the three levels of the world: beneath the earth’s surface, through its roots, on the earth’s surface through its trunk and lower branches; and the heavens, through the upward tips of its highest branches. Mircea Eliade distinguished seven core interpretations of the tree, and although not exhaustive, all centred around the idea of a living universe, in continuous regeneration. The tree is therefore attempting to regain its rightful place by breaking through the robust asphalt, a symbol of nature fighting against accelerated urbanisation, resulting in a diverse urban landscape. As such, the following zones are born:
THE URBAN MEADOW
The zone where generous sidewalks allow nature the possibility to offer shade, creating rest and relaxation areas for both tourists exploring the city of Sibiu as well as locals but also areas where one may enjoy a glass of wine with friends on a given afternoon while sitting around a watering hole.
THE AMPHITHEATRE
The place where young, forming artists can delight their parents, teachers and eager onlookers alike with their sketches, performed outdoors, under the welcoming shade of the trees. This space came about organically, taking advantage of the existing presence of the Gong theatre for children and youth, and offers a link between the Upper City and Lower City through the existence of the stairs which lead to the newly created zone.
As such, a pedestrian route takes shape which links the two cities via a flexible and versatile space, destined to encourage young artists as well as other events, certain to enliven the public space.
THE TOURIST DROP OFF
An expected and necessary zone for any tourist area where nature has once again made its mark in welcoming incoming visitors.
The area offers parking for coaches, a bike rental point, using Sibiu Bike City, electric scooters for hire, as well as an Information point for tourists coupled with a café and a number of rest areas.
THE PROMENADE
A pedestrian only zone in which nature accompanies passers-by, through an alignment of abundant vegetation, maximising shaded areas. This zone is also complimented by outdoor dining areas created along the footpath.
THE BUS STOP
The proposal to develop and restore the public transport stops also integrates and highlights nature, through a modular approach, which may be adapted to fit the required number of users as well as the allocated space. To this end, the envisaged area is made up of an undercover waiting area, built from a metal structure and lined with solar panels as well as fitted with an electronic display screen to be used for publicity and information. The area will host an abundance of vegetation which will promote shade and perfectly tie into the design concept. A designated rubbish collection area will also be included.
BICYCLE ROUTE
The proposal is to create a bicycle lane on Turnului street, by way of a reduction of car parking spaces available throughout. The proposal represents a continuation of the bicycle track that will be implemented on the shores of the Cibin river. The implementation of this proposal represents an extension and ramification of a secondary bike route which will better link residential and public areas, creating an alternative mode of transport towards the historic centre and offering a real alternative to using a car as a principal mode of transport, in particular in the centre of the city.
Delignated by trees on each side, the route will therefore be an extension of the existing bike route and will represent an appealing alternative to commuting by foot or by car.
GREEN MARKET
This space is dedicated to the commercialisation of products in bulk as well as temporary stands, dedicated to local producers. Depending on the season, the space will host a range of products for sale, including but not limited to seedlings and fruit trees in spring, an array of melons and cabbage in summer and autumn and Christmas trees in winter. The space will also benefit from a direct supply zone. The proposal is a true representation of the intention of the project as a whole, which is highlighted by the presence of trees and the natural shade they offer.
URBAN LAYERS
The proposal includes the creation of a number of “urban layers” in place of the former fortified walls and the bastion Tower Gate, meant to serve the needs of the local residents while seamlessly integrating into the historic character of the area.
First layer: MARKET HALL: this brings to life the robust outline of the old bastion through the considered use of material and texture, while alluring you to advance and discover it through the presence of the inviting entrance arches, a design element borrowed from the old tower gate. As you step through the arches, the space opens up to reveal a carefully thought-out market, which will host a variety of merchants and their products as well as an intuitive pedestrian route. An area which may be accessed from any direction thanks to its carefully considered design which renders all its arches inviting entrance points into the building, this area will not be weather dependent and will remain functional irrespective of season, with the ability to close the arches when needed in order to afford warmth and protection from the elements in the colder months.
The generous ceiling height also affords the possibility of creating an intermediary level which will host an array of restaurants overlooking both the market as well as the historic centre.
As nature is an integral part of the project its presence is felt highlighted by the positioning of trees at the base of the arches. The central foyer also leads the way to the last layer: THE VIEW.
The next two layers: CAR PARK: enveloped in perforated corten steel and surrounded by trees these two layers are formed by the above-ground car park. Intended to relieve car congestion and allow people and nature to thrive, it is an essential component in any city centre, particularly in any historic centre within.
The last layer: THE VIEW; Purposely designed with the intention of becoming a true landmark of the city both as a result of its location and view as well as its accessibility, it is a space which undoubtedly showcases and celebrates the historical silhouette of the city.
This last layer is divided into three areas:
- An incredibly versatile exhibition area aimed at promoting the city. Host to a permanent exhibition showcasing the historic underground upon which the structure is built, including a 3D miniature render of the fortified walls and bastion tower gate, it may also be moulded to host diverse projections and screenings, cinematic events, private events as well as workshops and conferences. It also offers work and study spaces, as needed, as well as an area for pop-up stores for Romanian designers, with the ability to also host runway presentations.
- An enclosed space occupied by an impressive restaurant with direct access to the open rooftop terrace. An exclusive dining spot which offers diners a covetable birds-eye view of the city irrespective of season or weather.
- A food court equipped with an electronic display screen which may be used for countless promotional screenings as well as events. A vibrant area which offers a birds-eye view of the city.
All of these layers form an overview of the proposed iconic structure in Cibin Plaza, an imposing physical presence yet discreetly and thoughtfully positioned within a purposely designed “forest” of urban vegetation.
