Sinaia 1100 - Centru pentru Educație Experimentală - Beta Competition
Graduation projects

Sinaia 1100 - Experiential Learning Center

Project description

The main research path of the proposed campus (2.4ha), set in Sinaia, is rooted in a culture of appropriating structures of past industry to accommodate spaces for education, cultural life and leisure. The project explores architecture that carves a new story into the fabric of the mountain in order to create a depository of knowledge for future generations. This approach also seeks to follow the principles of the durable development strategy of Bucegi Natural Park. Set in a former limestone quarry (closed since ~1950), the project proposes to place the school building inside the main excavated area, while the student & faculty accommodation and dining hall are to be built in the adjoining forest clearing. Based on principles of circular economy, the project uses mostly materials that are recycled or upcycled from local sources, like the neighbouring abandoned bob-sleigh track and the Sinaia railway station.

Author's presentation text

Alin approaches architecture holistically, with a focus on sustainability and circular economy principles. Some of the projects that most influenced his professional path are The School of Bunești, MEDS international workshops and the parametric design class he attended at AA Visiting School Dubai.