Creative and Research Hub “Unfinished Section Studio”

Authors’ Comment

Unfinished Section Studio" is a diploma project that focuses on the adaptive reuse of an abandoned, unfinished structure in Bucharest, located at the crossroads of Calea Moșilor and General Emanoil Florescu Street. Left in a state of incompletion for almost thirty years, the building is a modern ruin—a concrete shell overgrown with vegetation, hidden from view, and largely forgotten. Initially designed to house an economic institute, the building was never completed. Only two stories remain standing, with an open interior and no partition walls, allowing for various interpretations of its potential use.
The project begins by questioning society’s approach to waste, whether in fashion, technology, or architecture. It considers this unfinished building a symbol of modern excess, highlighting the unsustainable "fast architecture" approach, which prioritizes profit over people’s needs. Rather than demolishing or allowing the building to deteriorate further, the project aims to embrace its incomplete state as an opportunity for creative freedom and growth.
The design proposal transforms the structure into a creative hub for young artists, a space where they can work, collaborate, and redefine the building’s history. The architectural intervention is minimal, preserving the existing concrete skeleton while adding distinct new elements to complement the old. Glass walls are installed behind the first row of columns, creating a semi-transparent boundary that maintains the building’s open character. Moveable metal panels on the façade allow for flexibility and create an intimate atmosphere. The upper floors, which are newly added, are constructed with a lightweight metal frame and feature a profiled glass façade, emphasizing the contrast between the original structure and the contemporary addition.
Sustainability is central to the project, with a focus on reusing materials typically discarded on construction sites. Furniture is made from scraps such as scaffolding, pipes, and bricks, combined with simple plywood. This approach not only reduces waste but also reflects the unfinished nature of the building itself. Each floor offers a different interpretation of the "unfinished" concept, promoting a mindset of reuse, adaptation, and exploration. The overall aesthetic is raw yet functional, encouraging users to engage with the space in a hands-on, experimental manner.
The project offers a thoughtful critique of the modern obsession with completion and perfection, suggesting instead that unfinished spaces—like unfinished ideas—are ripe with potential. "Unfinished Section Studio" invites artists and creatives to inhabit the space, make it their own, and contribute to its evolving narrative. It transforms what was once a symbol of failure and incompletion into a vibrant, living space for creativity and innovation, all while maintaining its original character as a modern ruin.