Philippine E-Journals

Decisions on Building Stock Survival and Conservation in a Multi-Hazard Environment: Cultural and Functional Identity vs. Safety and Environment Values in Protected Areas

Cristina Olga Gociman | Tiberiu Florescu | Cristian Iosif Moscu | Emil Sever Georgescu

 

Abstract:

Romania’s capital city, Bucharest, was struck by multi-hazards in its history but has also suffered a huge trauma by demolition of 450 hectares, to build public institutions in the 1980s, during the past regime. This zone is now a protected area, under the threats of climate and social changes. This research project financed by the Romanian Ministry of National Education aimed to identify the patterns of building blocks, in a balanced relationship between cultural, functional values, as an identity dimension, and the nature of safety, stability as state values (vulnerability), under earthquakes and other hazards. Functional values were evaluated with respect to the Code significance categories, functional zoning of the General Urban Plan and Law of quality in construction. Analysis of cultural value observed the Law of Monuments, associated to 13 criteria suggested by authors, resulting in six evaluation stages.  The intervention works included current maintenance; conservative maintenance, using also strengthening; conservative works; restoration and strengthening; partial or global restricting, with possible demolition and reconstruction works; demolition; new building. New knowledge is represented by a methodology of evaluation and decision making for multi-level intervention categories, to preserve urban memory and presents a case study of Bucharest, Romania (Europe).