Project Entry 2017 for Europe

  • 1 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    Basement of G53 project.

  • 2 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    The positioning of the project in the landscape and how it will integrate in the historic quarter, once known as “Montmartre of Bucharest”. G53 will be a link between the history of Bucharest and future artist community. “To build or not to be” – Chris Simion. The current façades will be integrated into the new building. The current design respects the historical and architectural requirements in place today.

  • 3 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    Current building at 53 Grivita Street. G53 will be more than a cultural hub; it will contribute to the rehabilitation of a historical site of Bucharest. G53 will be an example that will be followed by other members of the community. This will enlarge Bucharest’s cultural area, which today is concentrated in the city center. Beside all objective argumentation, there is also a strong symbolism, a few hundred meters away was the first theater ever built in Bucharest: Cismeaua Rosie.

  • 4 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    Ground floor of G53 project.

  • 5 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    Situation plan of the site.

  • 6 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    An example of nowadays situation of the in situ. G53 project will give back to Bucharest the building.

  • 7 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    Current situation – façade view.

  • 8 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    Current situation – courtyard view.

  • 9 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    The authors on site in early 2017.a

  • 10 / 10

    First independent theater, Bucharest, Romania

    Integration of old façases into the future building.

Last updated: March 21, 2017 Bucharest, Romania

Innovation and transferability

An innovative project. Energy effectiveness: the main functional spaces (theater, rehearsal hall & actors’ cabins) are below ground zero and more efficient to heat). In order to maximize the usage of the plot and at the same time respect legal requirements we are talking here about an architectural innovation. Building below ground zero: the building will respect outside the design of the area, helping the conservation of the architectural heritage of the area. It will include historical facades of the current buildings.

Ethical standards and social inclusion

A people-centered project. It is designed to be financed via sponsorships, private persons collection, and other fundraising campaigns involving different communities (NGOs, business communities, etc). It is aimed to be part of the community offering an alternative to the existing institutional theater. Independent scene is equivalent to transparency. An independent auditor will be hired to guarantee the transparency of both flows: money collection and spending. Enriching the cultural heritage of Bucharest is another key principle. The precinct where the project will be built, is one of the oldest areas of Bucharest and know between the two World Wars as the “Bucharest Montmartre”.

Economic viability

One of our goals was to build a project that is financially sustainable. In this way we designed a business plan, based on contemporary opportunities and constraints of the market we are part of, and ended to the minimum number of seats (150 as breakeven). The criteria for choosing the land we bought, was to accommodate this minimum number of seats. After checking with the architect the feasibility of such a project from a design point of view, we bought the land and started the G53 project. We will accommodate approx. 180 seats minimum.