Unirii Square in Cluj

With the expansion of Unirii Square in Cluj, the city has gained approximately 12,000 square meters of pedestrian space, significantly improving the area for its residents. The modernization works, completed on May 20 of this year, have transformed the western side of the square into a pedestrian zone, with occasional access for delivery vehicles. During the project, 11 new trees were planted, and 34 public and decorative streetlights were installed, bringing the total value of the work to 1,428,000 lei + VAT.

This transformation comes as a refreshing surprise, especially in a country where pedestrian-friendly spaces are often lacking. In many Romanian cities, including Bucharest, public squares are often dominated by parking lots or vast expanses of concrete, occasionally interrupted by temporary markets or fairs. There are few central spaces dedicated to people, places for socializing or relaxing, outside of parks and pseudo-parks. This imbalance between the city and its inhabitants has a detrimental effect, impacting daily life on both a collective and individual level.

The reimagining of Unirii Square represents a crucial step towards restoring the balance between spaces for movement and spaces for pause. The addition of more pedestrian areas not only improves the urban landscape but also contributes to a better quality of life for the people of Cluj, providing them with much-needed spaces to connect with each other and their environment.

This project stands as a beacon of hope for future urban developments across Romania, where pedestrian-friendly spaces are essential for fostering vibrant, livable cities. The restoration of balance between the built environment and the needs of its inhabitants is an ongoing challenge, but the successful redesign of Unirii Square offers a promising model for other cities to follow.

For a closer look at the design of the revamped Unirii Square, you can find a detailed sketch of the redesign.

Source: monitorulcj.ro

Photos & text: Alex Iacob