Within the COMPASS project implementation, the Romanian partner, Civitas Foundation for Civil Society – Cluj-Napoca Branch, held the event titled "Old Structures, New Purposes” at Tranzit House in Cluj - Napoca, Wednesday, September 7th 2016.
The event gathered together 50 participants, including architects, lecturers, members of NGOs and local authorities. The goal was to open a common front to debate solutions for the conversion of public spaces. The main topics that were discussed encompassed the challenges posed by abandoned buildings for a city like Cluj-Napoca, which is in continuous development. Specialists presented not only the current situation of these buildings, but also the role of civil society, architects and local public authorities when problems like these are addressed.
The building hosting the event was chosen specifically to highlight the importance of conversion of public spaces: The Tranzit House a former synagogue that was abandoned and then successfully transformed into a space where contemporary culture can be freely expressed.
Focusing on sustainable solutions, the event included a focus group in which the participants presented two examples of abandoned buildings from Cluj-Napoca: The Small Train Station and the construction site of the Emergency Hospital from the neighborhood Mănăștur of Cluj-Napoca. The participants of the focus group highlighted the social impact that the conversion of these spaces would generate.
The event was a first step in the conversion of public spaces initiative that came from the Civitas Foundation for Civil Society - Cluj-Napoca Branch and its deployment was a success in creating a common space for discussion and finding a solution for the abandoned buildings of Cluj-Napoca.
For more information on the event and to contact the organizers, please write to benjamin@civitas.ro
