Voronet Community Center

Authors’ Comment

In the village of Voroneț, where cultural heritage and tradition intertwine with spiritual depth, we propose an exhibition pavilion that goes beyond its functional role: Broken Wing – a structure inspired by the Romanian myth of the Zburător.
Situated between two traditional rural houses, near the UNESCO-listed Voroneț Monastery, the proposed intervention draws from a deep-rooted folkloric narrative. The Zburător – a mysterious being that disturbs dreams and awakens longing – is reimagined through a symbolic story: two sisters, living in the two houses, set a mythical trap and manage to break one of the creature’s wings. But instead of destroying it, they choose transformation – turning the spirit into a protector of inspiration and creation.
This act of transformation became the central idea of the architectural concept. We propose a structure that physically and symbolically connects the two houses through a suspended form, evoking a fallen wing – not defeated, but altered, reshaped. Translucent materials, fluid lines, and carefully controlled light create a space that feels suspended between the earthly and the ethereal.
Access to the pavilion begins with an ascending path, creating a sense of expectation and discovery. Inside, the space unfolds as a narrative journey, echoing the stages of the myth. The pavilion hosts workshops, contemporary reinterpretations of traditional arts, and cultural events – becoming a living platform where tradition meets modern creativity.
With Broken Wing, we aim to create more than a built object – we propose a form of spatial storytelling, a reflection on how myth can be reactivated and transformed into cultural expression. In relation to the nearby monastic spirituality, the pavilion offers a parallel reading – one grounded in continuity, metamorphosis, and dialogue across dimensions.
This intervention is envisioned as a bridge between past and future, between the grounded and the celestial, between myth and community. Broken Wing becomes an invitation to rediscover Romanian mythology through contemporary architectural language – sensitive, contextual, and symbolic.