Dear Dr. Matthew Hardy,
for fellow new group members I will simply tell you that Mr. Matthew Hardy
is the secretary of INTBAU (see www.intbau.org ) - International Network
for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism - an international
is the secretary of INTBAU (see www.intbau.org ) - International Network
for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism - an international
organization of architects and urbanists specialized in Heritage (Patrimonium).
We, the Bucharest people, are now facing a Mayor which is a dictator, it
does not want to hear anything from the city residents, this person is
coming from a village in Teleorman where he spend his childhood and
Videanu lack of culture and disinterest on history and heritage might
leave the Bucharest city without its
major cultural and historic square (Piazza Revolution, former named
Videanu lack of culture and disinterest on history and heritage might
leave the Bucharest city without its
major cultural and historic square (Piazza Revolution, former named
Piazza of Royal Palace).
This square is the most important square in
Bucharest, it is the major
cultural square in Bucharest, the only other cultural square which can
be compared to is Piazza University where there is the
cultural square in Bucharest, the only other cultural square which can
be compared to is Piazza University where there is the
National Theatre of Bucharest, but the Revolution Square has more culture
to offer: Romanian Atenaeum where the international classical music
festival "George Enescu" takes place every year, and where concerts
festival "George Enescu" takes place every year, and where concerts
of classical music perform, The National Art Museum hosted by
the Royal Palace, the Royal Cultural Foundation Carol I (or nicknamed
the Royal Palace, the Royal Cultural Foundation Carol I (or nicknamed
by the communists "Central University Library"), the former theatre
"Excelsior" which was demolished by Videanu at the beginning of
this year, and where a block of 13 flats is constructed over the
this year, and where a block of 13 flats is constructed over the
opposition of Bucharestens.
It is the major historic plazza: here were major moments during
the bost world wars about the course of the country,
here the
communism began with the abdication of King Mihai I and
here was the biggest momentum of the 1989 Revolution when
the dictator Ceausescu left the communist senate (the building
named Palace of Interior nicknamed by the communists CC
- Central Commity of the communist party) - so this plazza
ends a cicle - has the beginning of communism and the end of it.
So it has 3 major attributes:
1) the major cultural plazza
2) the major histoircal plazza
3) the major heritage and traditional architecture plazza
About 3: It is the major heritage plazza in Bucharest, not affected by
the communists.
As a comparison Plazza Universitatii was hardly affected by building
communists blocks of flats (one of it named "Dunarea" block), by the
build of
Intercontinental which is a contrast with the rest of the building
from the square.
The list of the architecture monuments in Revolution Square is:
1) Romanian Atenaeum - architect Albert Galleron, built in 1885-1888
2) BCU- Royal Cultural Foundation Carol I - built in 1885
3) Royal Palace - built initially in 1870 by King Carol I, afterwards,
after a fire, restored and extended by the King Carol II in the '30s
after a fire, restored and extended by the King Carol II in the '30s
4) Palazzo Calcani
5) Kreulescu Church 1720-1722 is a monument of brancovean architecture
These are listed in National Patrimonium List (I can follow up with the exact entry number in the list, need to check my emails or ask someone)
Nothing is listed on UNESCO in Bucharest yet.
To the list above something is missing: The Royal Palace of Interior bulid by Carol II
starting with 1938.
Why is it missing ? The wounds of communism are not healed in Romania
and anything which was a communist building (even if it was not
built by communists) is in disgrace.
Why it has to be on the list? Because of its historical importance:
1) Royal Palace of Interior,
1) Royal Palace of Interior,
2) It hosted the CC (Central Comity) - Communist highest power institution after the presidency
3) It hosted between 1990 - 2003 the Senate of Romania after Revolution
4) It hosts now the Interior Ministry.
It has to be on the list not only because history, but also because of the
architecture style of this palace, a landmark for the Bucharest in the '30s.
architecture style of this palace, a landmark for the Bucharest in the '30s.
Now, talking about the evolution of the situation in Bucharest regarding this
endangered patrimony square:
There were 3
protest manifestations:
9-July-2006 in Piata Revolutiei, 23-July-2006 in Piata Universitatii- a proper place for getting more attention and 10-August-2006.
It was also a brief by Videanu to our civic organizations where he said
the plans are not withdrawn, they still want to continue the building,
they started already with the 13 flats block on the place of former
Excelsior Theatre, just beside the Palace of Interior, a block which
will be clearly visible from the most places in the Revolution Square,
a project which we fight against - we want a new architectural project there
which will not contrast with the rest of the buildings by architecture and heigth.
The Mayor said the plans are to start with the underground parking and with
a block of 6 flats which will completley hide the Romanian Atenaeum from
the Royal Palace and BCU.
We also know there are underground catacombs in Revolution Square
and these historical catacombs we want to be open to the public and
to be part of the Heritage - because of this we propose other alternatives
for the underground parking - as, for instance, under the park in between
Bd. Stirbei Voda and "Sala Palatului".
As you see the news are not good regarding the Revolution square and
we didn't send anything yet to UNESCO - we don't know how exactly
to write a letter in these regards and we don't know who to address
this letter for the best effect possible - any help here would be greatly
appreciated, we really need some guidance and help to start the
discussions with UNESCO.
appreciated, we really need some guidance and help to start the
discussions with UNESCO.
Thank you very much for your support,
Cristian Savu
Bucuresti Civic Group
Matthew Hardy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Dear All,
I have been following the story here - though my Romanian isn't great and I'm sure I am missing a lot!
If you would like to write a short update (300 - 500 words) of the latest situation in Bucuresti, we could run an update news story on the INTBAU website. We have a native Romanian speaker in the office so it doesn't have to be in English.
I know a few people in UNESCO, and would be happy to let them know what is going on. However, I would need to know the status of the buildings around the site. Are they listed? And if so, are they on a local or a national list? Are there any World Heritage listings in Bucuresti? If there are listed buildings involved it would help to attract UNESCO's attention.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Best regards,
Matthew Hardy.
Dr Matthew Hardy, Secretary
International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism
19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG, UK
+44 20 7613 8520, fax: +44 20 7613 8599
matthew.hardy@princes-foundati on.org
http://www.intbau.org/
INTBAU UK is a registered Charity No. 1103068
"one world, many traditions"
> ----------
> Subject: [Bucuresti] Digest Number 123
>
> Dr. Matthew Hardy (the secretary of INTBAU) sustains the protest From: Romania News
> INTBAU Reply: Bucharest Historical Centre needs help ! From: Romania News
> INTBAU News story on Bucuresti From: Romania News
>
>
> Dr. Matthew Hardy (the secretary of INTBAU) sustains the protest
> Posted by: "Romania News" romanianews_[EMAIL PROTECTED] romanianews_ca > Fri Sep 8, 2006 2:18 pm (PST)
>
> The "Piata Revolutiei" scandal takes international dimensions
> de Georgiana BACIU
>
> The scandal generated by the desire of the City Hall Municipality to make major changes in Revolution Square takes international amplitude.
> One of the online petitions against City Hall project was signed by the Secretary of INTBAU (International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism), Dr Matthew Hardy. >
> INTBAU is an international organization for patrimony preserve, under Prince Charles attention, and it has all together the specialists which design, build, preserve, study or love architecture and traditional places.
>
> http://www.adevarulonline.ro/ 2006-04-28/ Actualitate/ scandalul- piata-revolutiei -ia-dimensiuni- internationale_ 182871.html
>
> Version in Romanian (original) is below:
> Scandalul "Piata Revolutiei" ia dimensiuni internationale
> de Georgiana BACIU
>
> Scandalul generat de dorinta municipalitatii de a realiza schimbari majore in Piata Revolutiei ia amploare internationala. Una din petitiile on-line impotriva demersului primariei este semnata chiar de secretarul Retelei Internationale pentru Arhitectura, Urbanism si Constructii Traditionale (INTBAU), dr. Matthew Hardy. INTBAU este o organizatie internationala pentru pastrarea patrimoniului, aflata sub patronajul Printului Charles, si aduna la un loc pe toti cei care proiecteaza, construiesc, mentin, studiaza sau iubesc arhitectura si locurile traditionale.
> -----
>
> Romania News romanianews_[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:ca
> June 15, 2006
>
> Dear Dr. Matthew Hardy,
>
> Thank you to be part of our group and thank you for signing the petiton:
> http://www.romanianews.net/modules. php?name= ePetitions& op=more_info& ePetitionId= 8&show_signers= 1&newlang= english
>
> 2006-04-27 06:25:59 Matthew Hardy London matthewhardy.[EMAIL PROTECTED] Traditional city centres should be kept free of Modernist buildings.
>
> We really need your help and guidance.
>
> We are a core of specialists (architects) and intellectuals horrified by the Mayor Videanu project which doesn't respect the Romania's architectural traditions, the Romania's laws and the U.E. laws.
> We are trying to fight this project, but we just started, and the Piata Revolutiei (Revolution Square) mutilation has already begun by the construction of a 13 levels block in Piata Revolutiei near the Palace of Interns which is on the list of Architectural Monuments (the former Royal Palace of Interns and it was also the Communist Parliament and the Romania's Senate).
>
> Can you tell us some European Union or International Organizations we can alert?
> We are in a desperate situation and, even if all the newspapers signaled the atrocity, almost no TV broadcaster said anything about this problem and no politician in Romania sustain our cause... and we cannot find any institution or official support in Romania because they are afraid of repercussions. Romania's democracy is very fragile, the people often self-censors themselves as a reminiscence of the fear of Communist Security surveillance and because the political power (the Democratic Party where Videanu is vice-president) is very dominative, they can fire anybody, they can change public workers, for instance from the Institute of Authorization in Construction, if they don't give them the approval. Another cause is the corruption of the politicians and authorities, corruption which is still very big in Romania.
>
> Here is the translation of "Adevarul" ("The Truth") newspaper article:
> http://www.adevarulonline.ro/ 2006-04-28/ Actualitate/ scandalul- piata-revolutiei -ia-dimensiuni- internationale_ 182871.html
>
>
>
> I want to finish this appeal by thanking you again and I hope you understand how delicate is the situation, being sort of hopeless in a Romania to oppose the Mayor Videanu which is like a Tyran, like a Dictator, Videanu got in newspapers the nickname of "Ceausescu 2nd the demolisher". Adriean Videanu was also accused by the newspapers he is an "ordinary thief" and a very corrupt man. He is currently court action by many Bucharest organizations and also by The Catholic Church, but no positive decision was ever made by the Romanian Judiciary System.>
>
> I want say that any help will be greatly appreciated in this dead-end situation we are, would be it possible that INTBAU to make an official statement or declaration about this matter? Also can you point us to any other E.U. or U.N.O International Organizations specialized in laws and respect of the patrimony which can help us.
>
> Thank you very much,
>
> Cristian,
> Vancouver, Canada
> moderator of "Bucuresti" group
> http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/Bucuresti
>
>
>
> INTBAU Reply: Bucharest Historical Centre needs help !
>
>
> Posted by: "Romania News" romanianews_[EMAIL PROTECTED] romanianews_ca net
>
>
> Fri Sep 8, 2006 2:28 pm (PST)
>
> Raspunsul este clar: trebuie apelat la UNESCO !
>
>
> JCornelio da Silva <jcorneliodasilva@yahoo.com > wrote:
>
> Subject: Re: Bucharest Historical Centre needs help !
> Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006
> To: RN, matthew hardy <matthew.hardy@princes-foundati >on.org
>
> To my view, UNESCO has been attempting to preserve both its international authority and the unity of both built and natural places.
>
> Maybe an Open Letter to UNESCO launching an appeal could put some move upon the subject!
>
> There is a tendency to accept the destruction of places with "identity" and architectural unity in exchange of a disrupting sign of "apparent" economic growth...what may have been true in the past, through the creation of the active flashy finnancial centers, is no more...there is no economic growth through destruction of built heritage...politically, people associated "change" when something happened, visually speaking...this is the basic idea of progress for politicians. ..their idea of progress is that beauty and poetry is old fashioned, for urban disruption is a sign of growth!...is it really?
> Aren't most european politicians responsible for setting the same style of example? Turning their backs upon their historical background and acting like fresh countries in search of a caprice of political vanity?
> What happened and is happening in the centre of London, Berlin,Madrid, Lisbon, etc. isn't it more of the same?
>
> Despite research from the EU, demonstrating immediate social and economical benefits from restoration of urban areas, and most politicians still insist in agressive developments where political pressure end up creating the illusion of a social economical growth.
>
> Those who care for cultural and historical identity, are not against economical growth and do not want to go back! They just want to preserve the best they inherited from the past together with contemporary advantages!!!!!
>
> They are ready to reform the past but they do not deny the basic sense of place, culture and of belonging!
>
> In fact they are an active and capable economic boost, like other citizens involved in social and civic concerns!
>
> Most are not interest in becoming active politicians, while not beeing unaware of their Human and Political Rights in a Democratic environment!
>
> Therefore a public discussion about preservation of urban unity and the assignment of well planned new areas of expansion (which should also aim for its identity), is a relevant political decision and a true sign of a democratic civic conscience...do I need to go as far as Pericles?... .after all, the true talent of politicians is to unite many oposite views around major concensus of true social and economical interest and growth! Isn't the future progress of The City worth it?
>
> Unfortunately corruption, dishonesty an treason, are part of all packages, from imemorial times it has always been a sign of Man, together as genius, talent and goodness...
>
> There are no "bullet-proof" systems, but national unity is a strong civic value and countries show its best in many special occasions, like under the present world footbal championship, how much people identify with their team, their colours and their anthem and for such purpose rally (despite any divisions!) in a common goal...do we have to call all the rest of Human activity, football too?.....Isnt the best Championship of all, the welfare of nations?
>
> Jose Cornelio da Silva
> INTBAU Steering Committee
>
>
> Cristian---- wrote:
> Dear Dr. Matthew Hardy (and dear specialists in maintenance of traditional architecture),
>
> Thank you for signing the "Save Bucharest Historic Centre" petiton:
>
> www.romanianews.net/petition-save-bucharest- historic- centre.html
>
> 2006-04-27 06:25:59 Matthew Hardy London matthewhardy
> "Traditional city centres should be kept free of Modernist buildings."
>
> We are a core of specialists (architects) and intellectuals horrified by the Mayor Adriean Videanu project which doesn't respect the Romania's architectural traditions, the Romania symbols and the Romania's laws and the U.E. laws.
> We are trying to stop this project, but we just started, and the Piata Revolutiei (Revolution Square) mutilation has already begun with the construction of a 13 levels block in Piata Revolutiei near the Palace of Interns which is on the list of Architectural Monuments (the former Royal Palace of Interns and it was also the Communist Parliament and the Romania's Senate).
>>
> Matthew Hardy Matthew.Hardy@Princes-Foundati on.org
> secretary of INTBAU wrote:
> Dear Bucuresti group,
>
> You may be interested to read INTBAU's news story on your protest:
>
> http://www.intbau.org/news. htm#BucharestRev olutionSquare200 606
>
> Best of luck with your efforts!
>
> -----
>
>
> Bucharest's "Revolution Square" to be obliterated?
> Protests over Municipality's scheme for office blocks in historic centre
> Image: Model showing in blue the proposed development- Courtesy "Save Bucharest Historic Centre
>
> Controversy is growing in Bucharest over a proposal by the municipality of the Romanian capital for two tall office blocks and an underground parking garage in the so-called the "Revolution Square" of the city. The proposal has caused major concern among Romanian and foreign architects and others who wish to preserve the spirit and the architecture of the place. A civic group has launched a petition, called "Save Bucharest Historic Centre" which has so far been signed by over 2,500 people worldwide.
> Historic Square
> The square is formed of mostly classical buildings and has great historic significance, reminding the world both of the last royal family of Romania and of its last communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu. "Revolution Square" is fronted on the west side by the former Royal Palace, which now hosts the National Gallery. The palace was built under the reign of Carol II (1893 - 1953) and is very much associated with the former royal family of Romania, part of the Hohenzollern dynasty, which was forced into exile by the communists in 1945.
> Facing the Royal Palace on the east is the former Palace of the Interior, used by the Communist Party of Romania after 1945. Probably the most famous feature of this building is its front balcony, from where Ceausescu delivered his last speech on 21 December 1989, received with anger and protest. It was the beginning of the bloodiest revolution in Eastern Europe, which marked the end of communism. Many demonstrators were killed in this very square.
> Negative impact
> > Traditional architects and civic groups who oppose the construction of the two office buildings say that the municipality did not engage in any real public consultation. In its defence, the municipality argues that it took advice from a national body of architects (Ordinul Arhitectilor din Romania, OAR) which backs the project. > According to Romanian newspapers the contract for the two buildings' construction was given to the former director of the OAR, without a proper competition for the best project. INTBAU has asked the press office of the Bucharest municipality who is the architect and how the contract was awarded. The answer is yet to arrive.
> Traditional architects warn that the impact on the square will be utterly destructive, as the new blocks are designed as office buildings and shopping centres. They say that the area will be congested and more polluted as traffic will increase dramatically. Opponents of the project say that this will be "a mutilation of the historical centre and of the square which dates from the end of the 19th century". They also point out to the fact that the area is listed by conservation authorities, which should make any alteration very difficult.
> Modernist offensive
> Civic groups and traditional architects of another Romanian city, Sibiu, have tried recently to stop a modernist mall development at the edge of its medieval centre. Sibiu - designated a European capital of culture 2007 - is a well preserved medieval town 800 years old. The municipality has backed recently a proposal to build a shopping centre at the edge of the medieval city, which is a listed area. Sibiu is about to be nominated on UNESCO World Heritage List and the development would compromise this status. Further details on this story at http://www.intbau.org/newsarchive2 006.htm#SibiuMal l0106
> Dr Matthew Hardy, architect, architectural historian and Secretary of INTBAU, says that the encroachment of modernist buildings into historic centres seems to be a global problem. Recently the Ara Pacis Augustae - Latin for "Altar of Augustan Peace", commissioned by the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar on 9 BC - has been enclosed by a Modernist building, designed by the American architect Richard Meier. According to the Italian news agency, ANSA, the project - developed in Rome, Italy - was controversial and many Italians refer to it as phone box, gas station or "cesso", the most vulgar Italian word for toilet.
> The problem is also acknowledged by the Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Francesco Bandarin, who warns that contemporary architecture is increasingly "indifferent" to its historic context. Mr Bandarin proposed a set of measures whose effect would be to restrict permission for skyscrapers within historic places. There must be a limit to designing tall buildings around world heritage sites, he said, adding that "a lot of these iconic buildings are designed with no sense of context".
> Related links:
> Bucharest Yahoo Group
> Bucharest City Council
> - Aura Neag
> -----
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Matthew Hardy.
>
> Dr Matthew Hardy, Secretary
> International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism
> 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG, UK
> +44 20 7613 8520, fax: +44 20 7613 8599
> matthew.hardy@princes-foundati on.org
> http://www.intbau.org/
> INTBAU UK is a registered Charity No. 1103068
>
> "one world, many traditions"
>
> > ----------
> > Salvati Centrul Istoric din Bucuresti
> >
> > Presedintele ASAUIM (Asociatia studentilor arhitecti Univ. Ion Mincu),
> > domnul Horia Bejan a semnat scrisoarea deschisa a arhitectilor, este alaturi de noi.
> >
> > www . romanianews.net/scrisoarea- arhitectilor. html
> >
> > Posted by: "Marica Solomon" maricasolomon@gmail.com maricasolomon
> > *sint absolut de acord cu demersurike grupului in constituire !
> > IN ACEST SENS, DACA DISCUTAM DESPRE PROPUNERI CATRE
> > UNESCO, ACESTEA TREBUIE
> > SA FIE FACUTE CU SERIOZITATE PROFESIONALA
> > multumesc,
> > arh. Marica Solomon
> > Scientific Secretary
> > ION MINCU University of Architecture and Urbanism
> > Center for Architectural and Urban Studies CSAU
> >
