Foster + Partners has developed a comprehensive masterplan for a 38-hectare site in the heart of Constanța, a port city in Romania. The practice collaborated closely with local stakeholders and IULIUS, a real estate developer specializing in mixed-use urban regeneration projects.
The masterplan transforms the previously industrial site into a thriving “city within a city,” featuring cultural and educational buildings, retail, entertainment, sports, and leisure facilities, as well as public parks and botanical gardens.
“It is a great honor for us and a unique opportunity for Constanța to create a new destination, which stitches together the urban landscape and completely transforms the experience of the city,” said Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners. “Greenery is woven through the masterplan, with a series of interconnected parks, gardens, and vibrant community spaces that make use of existing industrial structures.”
The mixed-use scheme addresses seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions that appeal to residents and visitors year-round. The masterplan also provides new typologies of buildings and public spaces, which are currently missing from the city’s urban fabric.
Extensive landscaping across the site draws inspiration from the local ecological context, with hundreds of mature trees providing environmental benefits and enhancing wellbeing for the city’s residents. Existing structures, such as silos, are repurposed as theatres and pavilions for community gatherings and events.
“We are excited to be part of Constanța’s future,” said Maximilian Zielinski, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners. “By transforming the urban wasteland into a vibrant hub, we invite locals, investors, and tourists to be a part of this transformative journey.”
Daniel Zielinski, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, added, “Capturing the essence of the Black Sea, the regeneration project embraces the natural elements and landscapes. The proposal is deeply anchored in the city’s rich history, from its Greek and Roman origins to its more recent industrial heritage.”
IULIUS will carry out an extensive bioremediation project to prepare the previously industrial site before construction begins.
Constanța Masterplan Details
Architect: Foster + Partners
Location: Constanța, Romania
Size: 380,000 sq. meters
Image Courtesy: parametric-architecture.com
