Archaeological cultural center in the Constanta Peninsula

Authors’ Comment

The multilayered port-city of Constanta is superposed over one of the oldest human settlings in Romania - the ancient city of Tomis. Nowadays, the Constanta Peninsula is the base for an entire “constellation” of archaeological sites, a tridimensional network of antique vestiges – some visible, others still hidden in subterranean layers. An important node in this lax network is constituted by the Museum of National History and Archaeology of Constanta in the Ovidiu Square, alongside the Roman Mosaic Edifice. The aim of this project is to further strengthen this network by adding another focal point – an archaeological cultural center in relationship with the Archaeological Park of Constanta, which would thus create auxiliary necessary spaces for exhibitions, conferences and learning.
The site chosen for the intervention is situated on the southern slope, between the park and the port, near the remains of an antique fortified tower. The project aims both at creating interior and exterior spaces by terracing the slope, and also at connecting the three major structuring elements – the Archaeological Park, the port and the antique fortification vestiges.
That being said, the intermediate terrace results from the extension of a walkway that begins in Ovidiu Square, continues on the edge of the slope, descends under the diagonal street cutting the slope, becomes tangent to the fortified tower and then “stretches” and transforms into a wider public space. From the level of this terrace, a flight of stairs can lead to the inferior terrace, which is linked to a footbridge continuing towards the harbor. On the other hand, another flight of stairs lead towards the superior terrace, which is structured by the direction and height level of the Archaeological Park. The access volume from the superior street is positioned in such a way that the perspective towards the harbor is left unobturated.
On the level of the terraces, a series of skylights let light perforate each of the three partially buried volumes. In the interior – spaces for temporary or permanent exhibitions, conference halls, classes and workshops, a library, spaces for VR experimentation, a bookshop, a coffee place.