THE SCHOOL OF ACTIVISM

CASE STUDY: CAROL 53 HOUSE, BUCHAREST

Asist. Drd. Arh. Trifa Raluca

trifa_raluca@yahoo.com
tel. 0740 793 199

ABSTRACT
Despite their undoubted architectural value, many buildings in Romania - some of them
classified as historic monuments - are subjected to mutilation or the permanent danger of
extinction. The uncertain legal regime or their abandonment by owners facilitated the illegal
occupation of some of these heritage buildings. At the same time, the lack of interest of
authorities and the local community is the main reason why a large part of the valuable local
building fund lies in an advanced state of decay.
However, the architectural heritage can be saved - the knowledge, education and the
empowerment of communities in relation to the importance that the historic buildings have in
shaping the urban image are perhaps their only chance of perpetuating.
In this context, the initiative of a couple of young students to revive an architectural
object found in an advanced state of degradation, saving it by creating a new identity, can only
be worthwhile.
This paper presents the action taken by a group of students from the University of
Architecture "Ion Mincu" in Bucharest who wanted to bring to life a heritage building,
transforming it into a cultural landmark of the underground scene. The original project
attempts to highlight the monument by generating an independent arts center. The creation of
an alternative environment, especially educative, based on non-formal pedagogy can develop
into a pilot program that could later serve as a model in similar situations.
The project, which continues to cause numerous controversies represents a manifesto
for the heritage rescue. Through their active and responsible involvement in the rehabilitation
process of the house located on Bd. Carol 53, the project initiators attempts to demonstrate
that monetary restrictions are not always an impediment.