House of music - Adaptive reuse of the former Leonida Garages

Authors’ Comment

The concert hall proposal is based on an integrated approach, in which the contemporary intervention is placed in direct relation to the existing heritage buildings. The new building is not conceived as an isolated object, but as part of a coherent ensemble that responds to both the value of the existing built fabric and the urban character of the area. Its relationship with the existing buildings and the memory of the place aims for a natural integration into the context without erasing its particular character.
The program is organized so that the ensemble functions as a whole, while maintaining a clear distinction between spaces dedicated to artistic activities and those accessible to the public. The main function is the 1,500-seat concert hall, located close to the spaces for the orchestra and performers, which form the operational core of the ensemble. Social, public, and educational functions are introduced within the restored garage buildings, establishing a direct relationship with the outdoor space. In this way, the ensemble can remain active throughout the day, rather than only during concerts.
The organization is centered around the concert hall, with the other buildings and functions arranged in relation to it. This configuration creates a clear hierarchy of spaces and allows both public and technical circulation to be oriented towards the core of the ensemble. In terms of volume, the hall uses a series of modules inspired by the rhythm and dimensions of the existing urban fabric, helping integrate a large-scale volume into the historic context. The irregular mono-pitched roofs reinterpret characteristics of the existing buildings in a contemporary manner, while the controlled fragmentation of the volume reduces its visual impact on the listed heritage buildings nearby.
The relationship with the public realm is an important component of the project. The multi-criteria analysis identified the fragmentation of pedestrian routes and the dominance of vehicular traffic as major issues in the area. The project therefore seeks to strengthen pedestrian connections and activate public spaces through the cultural functions introduced within the ensemble.

One of the main interventions is the closure of the secondary street adjacent to Bulevardul Aviatorilor and the removal of the existing parking spaces. The resulting area is integrated with the square surrounding Casa Oromolu, creating a more coherent public space dedicated primarily to pedestrian movement and promenading. A pedestrian route crosses the site between Bulevardul Aviatorilor and the permanently accessible square, restoring continuity and activating the area.
Through the relationship between pedestrian routes, ground-floor public functions, and landscaped outdoor spaces, the Leonida ensemble becomes a place for everyday encounters and social interaction. The concert hall is not treated as an independent object, but as part of a place that can be crossed, used, and experienced on a daily basis, with or without attending a cultural event.