Camelia Sisak

PhD student, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Technical University Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Camelia Sisak is a PhD student at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism in Cluj-Napoca and co-founder of the architectural office Atelier Mass; co-author for the ICR pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2010 with the project Superbia and in 2012 with the project Head-UP; part of the team receiving the prize for the National Biennale of Architecture – interior space architecture in 2011; nominated for BATRA 2021 and Golden Trezzini Awards 2021 for the project of the private museum of Muzeon; part of the winning competition team for East Park Cluj-Napoca.

Exploring Truths. Architectural Competitions as Research Endeavors

Keywords: architecture competition, research tool, contemporary city, public space, Cluj-Napoca

Abstract: Architecture competitions serve as a vital research tool within the discipline, fostering innovation, problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge dissemination. Public competitions often address significant projects for the city, intertwining elements of architecture with those of the urban environment. While architectural interventions shape the built environment, the ultimate truth of the city arises from the collective experiences, aspirations, and values of its inhabitants. The contemporary city serves as a dynamic arena where architectural ideals, realities, and contradictions intersect. However, conflicting architectural truths can lead to tensions, controversies, and compromises in urban development, potentially compromising the integrity and authenticity of the city. Different stakeholders, including architects, developers, policymakers, and residents, may hold divergent visions for the built environment, resulting in competing agendas and power struggles. In such cases, the city may become a casualty of commercial interests, aesthetic preferences or political objectives, overshadowing broader societal needs and values. The analysis delves into the recent competitions in Cluj, particularly focusing on the ones that are implemented or nearly finished – public spaces, green-blue area and buildings. The focus of the analysis lies in exploring how the values embedded in the winning projects have evolved throughout the implementation process. This involves examining whether the original design intentions and ideals have remained consistent or undergone modifications as the projects transition from concept to reality. By scrutinizing the implementation phase, the analysis seeks to uncover any discrepancies between the proposed architectural visions and the final built form, as well as the factors that have influenced these changes.