In defence of the fortified church - Community center in Țapu village

Authors’ Comment

The concept of my project is based on two core ideas: Yutori and the Mioritic Space: Yutori is a Japanese term that embodies a philosophy of space—a moment in time and space that can be interpreted as “a space to have peace of mind.” The Mioritic Space has its roots in Romanian culture, representing a deep aesthetic and philosophical vision of how space is lived and perceived in the local tradition. The rural environment itself, through its mystery and sacredness, evokes a sense of calm—a pause from the rhythmic pace of everyday life. The essence of these two concepts lies in the search for a place of serenity, where the mind, the soul, and the physical world merge into one.
Before developing the actual project, the first step was to include the village of Țapu in a rural revitalization initiative by integrating it into the Via Transilvanica route. The path I propose is an alternative one, as it deviates from the original route and creates a visiting loop that introduces Țapu into the broader itinerary of Transylvanian villages.
The proposed site is located in the courtyard of the village’s former school, closely connected to the path leading to the fortified church. I chose this location because the school, currently disused, can be brought back to life through the addition of several new functions that come together under the community center. Moreover, the church’s proximity makes it suitable for transformation into a cultural landmark.
The courtyard of the proposal is connected to the entrance of the church by a path starting within the site and leading to the north tower, which is also proposed to be visually reinterpreted using the Tresoldi method. Today, only a remnant of the tower remains—just the former entrance and half of the wall, which is also in danger of collapsing.The intervention is minimal and non-invasive, preserving the remaining structural integrity of the tower while reviving its image through the reconstruction of its volume using a wire mesh metal structure. The church courtyard will function as a gathering place and a summer market space. Inside the church, I propose two reconfigurations: one for exhibitions and recitals, and another as a creative workspace.