Modern Heritage under Debate: Civic Centres in Romania, 1959–1989

Abstract

Between 1959 and 1989, Romania’s communist regime developed ‘civic centres’ as key public spaces integrating administrative, cultural, and commercial buildings. These ensembles, often imposed on historic urban areas, symbolised political control and modernisation, yet also reflected complex, locally adapted interpretations of global architectural trends. Notable examples include Iași, Pitești, Reșița, and especially Baia Mare and Satu Mare, designed by architect Nicolae Porumbescu during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite limited patrimonial acknowledgement, recent transformations have revived professional interest. In 2021, the Romanian Order of Architects criticised changes in Satu Mare’s civic centre for compromising its design integrity. Using this case, the article explores tensions between architecture, planning, conservation, and politics, advocating for a reassessment of ‘civic centres’ as part of Romania’s contested heritage and the need for better tools to address their preservation. Additionally, it advocates for re-examining ‘civic centres’ as key components within a larger national framework of contested and often challenging heritage sites. This debate raises questions about the various issues associated with the official heritage acknowledgement, particularly regarding the tools and approaches required to address it.