Tulcea Central Area International Competition

The core problem today lies in the absence of a coherent and logical spatial distribution, which prevents the city from having a clear narrative. The city’s multi-layered beauty remains hidden, resulting in a lack of identity and recognisability. The aim of the project is to reorder existing elements with new interventions on site, as well as to create a central square that embeds the city in the 21st century.

BLUE-GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE LINK: In this spirit – flowing from the Danube, a sequence of green spaces, parks, water features, areas for leisure and free time, local gathering points and playgrounds is proposed. These elements extend beyond the park itself and flow towards the city centre.

THE URBAN DIAGONAL: From the northeast, important buildings and institutions located north of the vision area mark the city at Gloriei Street and 14 Nov. Street. From this starting point, the urban fabric, with its tourist and economic potential, flows down to Babadag Street, where a pedestrian commercial and services axis unfolds, bringing movement, economic activity and the dynamic life of a port city.

At their intersection a meeting point is formed – the public square – a site of urban dialogue that stitches these axes together. Some would say: here, water meets the city again. As these two paths meet and cross, they influence and transform one another irrevocably.

What was formerly a commercial spine evolves and matures, taking on an urban artistic-cultural character as it reaches the end of Babadag Street, where theatre, exhibitions, arts and festivals are found or have dedicated space. Meanwhile, the other path flows on through the main square, transforming itself into the official administrative and civic axis – a place where political decisions are shaped – a symbolic end point for a city historically shaped by water.

Following the same guideline, but from an anthropological standpoint, this public square is an urban scene that unifies and reinforces traditions, as the city was built on them, framing the setting for many rhythms and rituals, whilst making up the substance of the everyday spectacle. This latter detail is what makes the square a special place.