Initiatives / Experiments / Visions
Architecture Bath, Edition II - Naiada Pavilion
Project description
The Architecture Bath is part of the architectural and social reactivation platform of the historical center Herculane Baths, HerculaneProject. The platform has a holistic vision in terms of sustainable development of cultural heritage and is developed on two major components: reactivation of Neptune Baths, exponent of declining spa heritage and cultural and social reactivation of the historic center through cultural, social and educational projects such as Architecture Bath. By organizing the Architecyure Bath, Locus Association wants to contribute to improving the quality of life and urban space in Herculane Baths by carrying out urban interventions in the historical area of the banks of the Cerna, and to provide tools for the diversification of the educational process and the formation of specialists in the area. In this way, through a single project, we aim to help both the local community and future specialists in architecture. The Architecture Bath II Summer School was developed in two stages: the competition stage, through which we chose the project solution and the in situ implementation stage, with the help and involvement of the 16 participating students under the coordination of architects Marius Miclaus and Pierre Bortnovski. The Architecture Bath Edition II, held in the summer of 2019, consisted in the design and execution of a pavilion on the banks of the Cerna, in the historical center and increasing the quality level of this area. The area known as "bathtubs" is one of the few examples of reclaimed spaces for people. Despite the fact that can be administered publicly, the place is freely used in the direction of the locals. External treatment activity that is in the improvement basins of this area is carried out in precarious conditions and for a very long time. The purpose of urban interventions is to encourage interactions between people, to recover the waiting space, to encourage the organization of architectural competitions and to provide space that gives them the opportunity to spend time. The final result, the Naiada Pavilion - designed by students Mihai Șom and Diana Sava, can provide an urban object assumed by the community and the use of the relaxation space on the banks of the Cerna. Architecture Bath Edition II was co-financed in terms of the Order of Architects of Romania and the Prince’s Foundation Prince, and was developed in partnership with the Herculane Bath City Hall, the County Directorate for Culture Caras-Severin, International Partner Buro and EfdeN.
Author's presentation text
Locus Association (Ro: Asociația Locus) is a non-governmental organisation that has as a main purpose saving and promoting the cultural, architectural, urban and natural heritage of Romania.The defining philosophy for the association is that the national heritage, whether material or immaterial, has the potential to become a driving force of community reactivation and regeneration. The means employed to achieve our purpose are multidisciplinary, aiming to obtain personalised strategies for each case we are involved in. The impact intended is twofold: material, such as the rehabilitation of heritage landmarks and increasing the welfare of the community, as well as immaterial by coagulating the social environment and conserving the invisible heritage. The Locus Association has as its first project the activities carried out under the tutelage of Herculane Project, a platform for cultural and social reactivation of the historic center of Herculane Baths, with architectural, social and cultural tools, and aiming, in the long term, to include the whole historical monument in heritage. UNESCO. Because we believe in the power of education and culture to make a significant contribution to any development strategy, the Locus Association, through the Herculane Project, not only helps stop degradation and secure the Neptune Baths building, but also contributes to the social and social environment. cultural center of the resort through events and activities such as Herculane Baths Cultural Site, Herculane Cultural Baths (organized in collaboration with the ACIA Association), HerculTURA and Architecture Bath.
