2050 An infinite city

Context
The analyzed area is a satellite site gravitating around the center of Timisoara, at the edge of the 19th-20th century historical, industrial area. The history of the site and the buildings is reminiscent of technology, tramways, innovation, and continuous change.

Concept urban
The project "2050: An Infinite City" proposes and medium and long-term vision for the reintegration of the former tramway depots and service stations. In order to unify the two existing areas, the project proposes an ample platform – promenade along which markets, squares, covered markets, the old and new buildings, gardens, and a covered passageway will be located. The axis is a visual support for the entire course, serves as an orientation point, and invites the inhabitants to discover spaces that provide infinite possibilities. At an urban level, the buildings gravitate towards the created squares and are easily accessible from the platform area. The solution encourages the exploration and research of the site’s history through the fluid overlapping and intertwining of the old and new functions, and that of the exterior and the interior spaces. The architecture allows for permanent transformation, which favors the urban and economic dynamic. The buildings, together with the public space, allow for infinite spontaneous activities that offer solutions to complex situations and relations. Thereby, the local architecture, through building zoning, functions in a sustainable and long-term manner and allows for an immediate readjustment to various activities.

Architectural Concept
The former tramway service stations become spaces dedicated to events and exhibitions. The geometry of the service rooms defined their functionality: the exhibition and the event area are joined by a lobby. The new split level amplifies the exhibition area and invites viewers to visit the heritage equipment maintained on display. The overhead crane, the tramway lines, the original, industrial elements, are highlighted with the help of lighting and the manner in which they are integrated into the overall design. The free area generates spaces dedicated to creation and teamwork, encouraging the exchange of ideas. The Creative Station includes the administrative sectors the junction between these, allowing for an efficient vertical and horizontal communication. A large number of creative professions will activate in this area, all instilling a force of creation and innovative spirit. The Foundry Building is transformed into an Info & Media Center. It is exposed on the backdrop of a new, two-level sculptural volume. The newly proposed material is a Corten steel-like one and it creates a dialogue with the building’s industrial past. Alongside the entire site, the exterior is intertwined with the interiors and allows for the organization of open-air workshops, for relaxation and interaction in a contemporary city-universe. The Switch (Macaz) Bistro & Boutique offers a new way of understanding the industrial past. The solution encourages the exploration of the site’s history, through the fluid overlap between the old, new, and future functions. The restaurant allows for a bird’s eye view of the entire industrial site, through a direct link with the dispatch tower, with which it is coherently linked.

Timișoara has the opportunity to become a national urban sustainability landmark through the long-term vision proposed for MultipleXity. The urban and architectural concept, the phasing and zoning proposed by the “2050: An Infinity City” strategy, allow for long-term, sustainable functioning and a future adaptation for the countless events the center will host and encourage.