UK-headquartered architect Foster + Partners has unveiled its master plan for a section of Iași, a city in eastern Romania.
Commissioned by real estate group Iulius, the plan centres on the neo-Gothic Palace of Culture in the heart of the city, and will incorporate new landscaped areas connecting the city centre, shopping streets and new public spaces.
Archaeological remains and historic features have been preserved, while green areas will create an events space and children’s areas.
The Palas Mall will be maintained with an indoor-outdoor market plaza added, extending from the building’s central atrium towards the palace and the park.
The plaza will have a floor-to-ceiling glass façade and a stone floor decorated with traditional local motifs, with a sculptural glass lighting feature above.
Foster + Partners’ is redesigning a nearby events hall with new green areas and a plinth that is indebted to local architecture that will bring together various features at the site’s edges and provide sheltered spaces.
Stefan Behling, Foster + Partners’ head of studio, said: “The masterplan completely revitalises the heart of the city and improves connections to its centre with generous, tree-lined pedestrian walkways.
“Greenery and incredible new public spaces are woven through the urban realm, transforming the city experience and reframing the spectacular Palace of Culture.”
Daniel Zielinski, Foster + Partners’ senior partner, said: “We are preserving historic features within the landscape and incorporating traditional Romanian patterns to celebrate the city of Iași.”
Iulius began searching for an architect for the project in 2022, with MVRDV, UNStudio and Zaha Hadid Architects also vying for the role. Local press report that Iulius will invest €80m in the project, which is estimated to cost €520m.
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