{"id":2639,"date":"2025-08-04T11:30:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T09:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ace-cae.eu\/?post_type=ace-news&p=2639"},"modified":"2025-08-04T11:55:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T09:55:02","slug":"competition-results-central-area-tulcea-urban-regeneration-international-design-contest","status":"publish","type":"ace-news","link":"https:\/\/ace-cae.eu\/cs\/news\/competition-results-central-area-tulcea-urban-regeneration-international-design-contest\/","title":{"rendered":"Winners Revealed\u00a0: ‘Central Area, Tulcea: Urban Regeneration’ International Design Competion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The competition was organised by the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), with support from the OAR Dobrogea Territorial Branch and in partnership with the Contracting Authority \u2013 the Municipality of Tulcea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between July 25\u201328, 2025, the jury evaluation took place for the projects submitted to the International Design Competition \u201cCENTRAL AREA, TULCEA\u201d, officially launched on May 7th, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main objective of the competition was to select the best proposal for the urban regeneration of the central area of Tulcea Municipality, with the aim of awarding the design contract.
\u201cMircea cel B\u0103tr\u00e2n\u201d Square is the social and administrative core of Tulcea, easily accessible from all parts of the city and spatially and historically connected to the Danube waterfront. The competition sought a high-quality, contemporary redevelopment solution for this space, as part of the broader urban regeneration of the city center and the strengthening of pedestrian connections with the Danube promenade by redeveloping the \u201cThree Fountains\u201d area and transforming Unirii Street into a pedestrian corridor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The challenge lay in formulating an intervention that respects the current built heritage and the historical layers of the site. Participants were expected to address the various functions of the area \u2014 housing; public administration; restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and confectioneries; small-scale retail; leisure and entertainment; culture and civic life \u2014 enhancing them and integrating them into a coherent urban framework for future development of the central zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Tuesday 29 July, the Traditional Fishermen\u2019s Village Museum hosted the press conference announcing the winners. The event was livestreamed on the OAR Competitions Facebook page:https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oar.concursuri<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mayor of Tulcea, \u0218tefan Ilie, attended the press conference, representing the Contracting Authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following prizes were awarded:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prize<\/strong><\/td>Value<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
1st Prize<\/strong><\/td>estimated value of the design service contract \u2013 1,944,355 RON excluding VAT (~EUR 390,940 excluding VAT)<\/td><\/tr>
2nd Prize<\/strong><\/td>99,470 RON excluding VAT (~EUR 20,000 excluding VAT)<\/td><\/tr>
3rd Prize<\/strong><\/td>49,735 RON excluding VAT (~EUR 10,000 excluding VAT)<\/td><\/tr>
4th Place<\/strong><\/td>12,434 RON excluding VAT \u2013 Honourable Mention 1 (~EUR 2,500 excluding VAT)<\/td><\/tr>
5th Place<\/strong><\/td>12,434 RON excluding VAT \u2013 Honourable Mention 2 (~EUR 2,500 excluding VAT)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Winning projects selected by the jury:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1st Prize \u2013 Project no. 109 \u2013 PUNCT BIROU DE ARHITECTUR\u0102 S.R.L.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook post: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oar.concursuri\/posts\/pfbid02rxBfCRHbEfZ9V6gAUo6r1QogkFNcSsXDPeuxHr32w1aXBzj8Jn2JwmQyN74hp2H5l<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lead Authors: Arch. Andrei Baco\u0219c\u0103, Arch. M\u0103d\u0103lina Doroftei, Arch. Ruxandra Grigora\u0219, Arch. L\u00e1z\u00e1r Csaba, Arch. M\u0103d\u0103lina Perju, Arch. Daniel \u0218erban<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe project proposes the creation of a central park in the heart of the city. Its strength lies in the continuity of the design, which extends from the riverbank to Mircea cel B\u0103tr\u00e2n Square. The square itself is shaped as an open, human-scale space, empiric and inclusive. The design presents a clear stance and language, respecting the existing urban structure while introducing a coherent architectural and landscape vocabulary. This approach has the potential to establish a strong new identity for the Central Area of Tulcea for both residents and visitors, complementing the existing one.
A notable feature is the high flexibility in the placement of trees and green areas. The proposal offers an exemplary response to pressing climate challenges in our cities. By prioritizing environmental resilience, social inclusion, and historical sensitivity, the design offers a compelling and feasible vision.
The project envisions a new urban core, open to Tulcea and Dobrogea\u2019s diverse, multiethnic and multiconfessional communities, and to the growing number of Romanian and international tourists. Thanks to this public initiative and the international competition, the winning solution will reshape the new city center, turning it into a symbol of modernity and innovation for all of Romania.\u201d \u2013 Jury\u2019s comments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2nd Prize \u2013 Project no. 112 \u2013 NORMA ARHITECTURA \u0218I URBANISM SRL + BOCA \u0218TEFANIA LILIANA \u2013 BIROU INDIVIDUAL DE ARHITECTUR\u0102 + RECREATIV ARHITECTUR\u0102 PEISAGER\u0102 SRL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook post: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oar.concursuri\/posts\/pfbid0H9Rjnwg6imf6t34N58taBkcmKPpAfgBxZUC4Ta5iUpJXmV7vsT7bT6jZwbhh8kTfl<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lead Authors: Arch. Boca \u0218tefania Liliana, Arch. Fle\u0219eriu Alexandru Nicolae, Arch. Kotr\u00f3-Koszt\u00e1ndi Anna, Arch. Olteanu Alexandra, Arch. P\u00e9ter Alexandra, Arch. P\u00e9ter Eszter, Arch. Uglea Claudia Andreea<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specialist collaborator: Water Management Expert \u2013 Tetelea Cristian Demostene<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe project stands out through its clear urban gesture and consistent design approach. Unlike the treeless esplanade along the Danube, Mircea cel B\u0103tr\u00e2n Square is envisioned as a vibrant green space populated by a diverse mix of tree species. The newly dimensioned square is designed as a clearing in the ‘urban forest’, offering strong spatial identity and a sense of belonging.
The square is entirely paved with cobblestones, combining reused and new materials to ensure durability, high aesthetics, and a commitment to local heritage.
The proposal demonstrates a deep understanding of the site, addressing its historical foundations and incorporating memory-based design gestures. The water management strategy and planting concept are well developed, creating a dialogue with both the historic town and its modern urban context.\u201d \u2013 Jury\u2019s comments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3rd Prize \u2013 Project no. 116 \u2013 STUDIO 82<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook post: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oar.concursuri\/posts\/pfbid0XHGUWNUDzQGLpx7cGSmxuSfAgBxBAFkQSybBHwz6RhAvTTWytm2iV7Dj6xV2TEnpl<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lead Authors: Arch. Octav Silviu Ol\u0103nescu, Arch. Anamaria Ol\u0103nescu, Arch. Andrada Maier-Dr\u0103gan, Arch. Petric\u0103 Maier-Dr\u0103gan, Arch. Oana Antonia Filip<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis project displays remarkable ease and confidence in addressing the existing structures and conditions. The competition\u2019s requirements \u2014 such as depaving surfaces and improving public space quality \u2014 are addressed with simplicity and integrated convincingly into the urban fabric, to the point where the proposal feels like a continuation of the current urban structure.
A positive element is the redesign of the \u201cThree Fountains\u201d area, where the existing staircase is replaced by a generous ramp, improving accessibility.
The proposal reinforces the identity of Tulcea through the redesign of Mircea cel B\u0103tr\u00e2n Square as an urban element that respects and continues the city\u2019s character. It generates several high-quality spaces around the square, offering a refined urban experience.\u201d \u2013 Jury\u2019s comments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honourable Mention I \u2013 Project no. 123 \u2013 ALT. CORP. ARCHITECTS SRL + SHAFT A.D. SRL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook post: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oar.concursuri\/posts\/pfbid02P2i32HxkHMZZ8Y5sdbpkDnULKTWJXrPJvYDfru9QtvXRkzKze3a1a5C7rggTuCcZl<\/a>
<\/strong>Lead Authors: ALT. CORP. (Arch. Cosmin O. G\u0103l\u0103\u021bianu, Arch. Cristian Be\u0219liu, Arch. Cosmin Georgescu, Arch. Andrei Theodor Ioni\u021b\u0103, Arch. Octavian B\u00eersan) + SHAFT (Arch. Alexandru Moldovan, Arch. Andrei Barbu)
Co-authors: Arch. Andrei Mitrea, Landscape Architect Alexandru Gheorghe<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis project is appreciated for its robust conceptual approach. The reference to the spatial organization system of the modernist project is not aesthetic but programmatic. The 7×7 meter grid becomes a unifying principle for organizing the site, made up of a mosaic of spatial typologies.
This rigorous system is supported by layered complexity and a consistent design language applied throughout the site, from spatial planning to meticulous material detailing.
Well-executed detailing and custom furniture successfully establish a new identity for the city, subtly referencing Tulcea\u2019s industrial heritage.\u201d \u2013 Jury\u2019s comments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honourable Mention II \u2013 Project no. 103 \u2013 DE PLANO SRL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook post: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oar.concursuri\/posts\/pfbid02zdYSqfTRHettL7A7wLpJvu5TbPhK9A178g6vPMyr3rPWmMv8LiJa5ZMTnHk4vfufl<\/a>
<\/strong>Lead Authors: Arch. Emil Burbea-Milescu, Arch. Laura-Maria Covaci, Arch. Radu-Tudor Ponta
Architecture Collaborators: Arch. Lidia Danil, Arch. Ana-Maria Botez, Arch. Vlad-Ioan Buhu, Arch. Rare\u015f David, Arch. Ioana Gheorghi\u0163\u0103, Arch. Alexandru Mihalescu, Arch. Tudor-Laz\u0103r \u015etreang\u0103<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe proposed project demonstrates a comprehensive and well-founded conceptual approach. Special recognition goes to the high quality of its surface water management strategy, which extends beyond the competition site, benefiting the entire city.
The proposed \u2018blue-green infrastructure\u2019 integrates topography, hydrology, and existing infrastructure, offering forward-looking sustainable responses to extreme climate events.
Of particular note is the triple-row tree planting along Unirii Street, where \u2018rain gardens\u2019 are incorporated along the outer alignments, contributing significantly to both the ecological function and visual identity of the area.\u201d \u2013 Jury\u2019s comments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honourable Mention \u2013 Project no. 110 \u2013 ATELIER MENOU SRL + SFERA ARHITECTURA SRL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook post: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/oar.concursuri\/posts\/pfbid0KKTPYpe24MwLYjQE8TVNUh1NHWxBm5N9iSACf9C1HoYtotVBVySULdXcuum2kwWrl<\/a>
<\/strong>Lead Authors: Arch. Miruna Moldovan, Arch. Adrian-Ovidiu Bucin, Arch. Alexandru Sab\u0103u, Arch. Ioana-Andreea Sab\u0103u, Arch. Patricia Sabina Simedru, Arch. Alexandra-Mara Buz
Architecture Collaborators: Arch. Cosmin Ciubotariu, Student Architect Sabrina-Ioana D\u00e2sc\u0103, Arch. Iulia Lorena Sabou<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis project receives an honorary mention for its sensitive and profound vision. Its main objective is to humanize the vast and rigid socialist-era spaces by creating a rich mosaic of historical and ecological layers.
The project successfully proposes a new spatial and functional matrix aimed at regaining the human scale through more intimate and diverse spaces, subtle topographic changes, and a nuanced landscape strategy.\u201d \u2013 Jury\u2019s comments<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Contracting Authority for the competition is the Municipality of Tulcea, which will become the beneficiary of the project resulting from the competition. The competition is organized by the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR), in accordance with the OAR Guidelines for Organizing Design Competitions (rev. 2022) and the applicable public procurement legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a public, single-phase competition, open to participants from Romania, the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation. It is conducted as an independent procedure under Art. 105(a) of Law no. 98\/2016 on public procurement. Based on Art. 104(7) of the same law, the design services contract will be awarded to the competition winner through a negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The competition jury included internationally experienced experts \u2013 architects and urban planners from four countries:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full Members:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n