REVITALIZAREA PATRIMONIULUI INDUSTIAL. MUZEUL INDUSTRIEI: CONVERSIA ȘI EXTINDEREA DEPOULUI DE LOCOMOTIVE DE LA PETROȘANI

I was drawn to the topic of repurposing former industrial buildings and sites in cities, which, once they have lost their value, become urban blight. The site I chose for my thesis was discovered as part of a project to document the Water Tower and Pumping Station in Petroșani, located in the immediate vicinity of the Locomotive Depot. I also participated in restoration and safety measures for monuments across the country as part of the “Ambulance for Monuments” initiative.

The project aims to create a cultural route that connects both the former and the current mining sites of the Jiu Valley. The proposal includes a cycling path that crosses the studied site. It is intended to draw attention to the industrial ruins. The project addresses the issue of the former mono-industrial towns of the Jiu Valley, their decline after the ’89 Revolution, and the emergence of industrial ruins and urban voids. Through this proposal, the reintegration and reuse of this type of urban spaces is sought. From a programmatic perspective, the connection to industry is undeniable. Therefore, this theme is approached through a museum that is both dedicated to industry and mining, and to transportation. In this way, the depot space, almost entirely unused, becomes an exhibition space. Also, the ground floor space is utilized through mobile temporary exhibitions, on train tracks, that can be used throughout the coal mining system in the Jiu Valley.