Danube waterfront reimagined. Restoration and conversion of the former shipyard of Drobeta-Turnu Severin, RO

Authors’ Comment

The site is located in my hometown, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, which is one of the many shrinking Danube cities which, although having been planned facing the river in close connection with it, it has suffered repeated interventions to the detriment of the public space and the many historical layers that make up the waterfront today. In a wider context, the diploma project aims to become a gateway both from the city and from the Danube to the port area, to create a starting point for a public and accessible promenade to the foot of Trajan's Bridge (UNESCO site soon) and further on to the old railway station. This will create close links between all the key sites along the point of contact between the city and the Danube. The redevelopment of the former shipyard is proposed in phases, in parallel with a necessary process of renaturalization of the industrial riverside. Starting with a 1913 hall and continuing with the 1970s structures attached to it, all the buildings of the historic ensemble will be restored and integrated into the project. Program-wise, the central hall will become a multi-purpose hall, while the 1970s structure will be partially enclosed and will house a research centre dedicated to the Danube cities, exhibition spaces, archives and other functions designed to activate the ensemble all throughout the year.