From industrial waterfront to public urban spaces: Transforming Galati’s waterfront

Authors’ Comment

The diploma project presents an urban and architectural regeneration strategy for the Danube Riverfront in Galați, centered on the adaptive reuse of the historic State Fisheries building.

The spatial concept pairs industrial heritage with contemporary architecture. The historic building is restored to house the Fishermen's Museum, workshops, and educational spaces. In dialogue with this structure, a new metallic volume with a 20-meter cantilever is inserted. The proposal is positioned perpendicular to the Danube—a directional alignment paired with an expansive glass facade specifically designed to preserve an uninterrupted visual and spatial connection with the water and frame unobstructed views across the river. All servant spaces are housed directly within the primary metallic structure, neatly integrated between the columns.

This new volume functions as a cultural and civic hub, incorporating exhibition spaces, dining, a fish market, and sports facilities. The project includes a modular urban furniture system inspired by the aesthetics of port cranes, alongside a landscape concept following the Piet Oudolf philosoph, creating a fluid dynamic between city and water while revitalizing Galați’s maritime identity.