Revitalisation of the Radák-Brukenthal Ensemble. Multifuncitonal Cultural Center in Micăsasa, Sibiu

Authors’ Comment

This project proposes the revitalization of the Rádák–Brukenthal estate in the village of Micăsasa, Sibiu County, by converting it into a multifunctional cultural center for the local community, tourists, artists, and hikers along the Via Transilvanica trail. Located in the Târnava Plateau, an area rich in cultural and viticultural heritage, the site is part of a broader network of noble residences and fortified churches, contributing to a valuable regional tourist route.

The ensemble includes the Rádák–Brukenthal manor house, the gate tower, the former stables, and auxiliary buildings, some of which are listed as historical monuments. The intervention aims to preserve and enhance the heritage through careful restoration, adaptive reuse, reintegration of lost elements, and the addition of new volumes in respectful dialogue with the historical context.

The manor will house a museum dedicated to Transylvanian noble estates, temporary exhibition spaces, creative workshops, and a wine cellar in the basement, highlighting the area's long-standing connection to viticulture. The gate tower becomes a gallery and exhibition space, while the former stables are converted into a conference hall. The street-facing house is transformed into a café, open to both visitors and locals.

Newly designed buildings follow the pavilion-like character of the historical ensemble, forming two distinct yet coherent courtyards with a clear spatial logic and functional hierarchy. They include guest accommodations, artist studios, a restaurant, and a multifunctional greenhouse used for cultural and educational activities. The greenhouse, built on a light metal structure with ample glazing, shelters local grapevine varieties and provides a flexible space for events and workshops.

Architecturally, the intervention respects the original scale and alignments of the site. The new architecture is discreet, with simple volumes, pitched roofs, and elements such as pergolas, sliding panels, and motifs inspired by Romanian folk symbolism—such as the diamond, representing balance and protection. The dialogue between old and new is expressed through carefully chosen materials, rhythms, and transparencies.

Beyond preserving a deteriorating heritage site, this project aims to reactivate the rural community through culture, sustainable tourism, and reconnection with local identity. It supports balanced development by honoring the site's memory, fostering education through culture, and integrating the estate into broader tourism and cultural networks.