Seaside Commercial Centers From 1960’s Romania- A Particular Display of Modernism

Researching and reviewing modern heritage in a country as Romania - with a troubled political past linked to it - is somewhat difficult. Yet, in today's time, with all the developments threatening the former layer, it is necessary.

The commercial centers that were once designed for each resort represent a particular type of experimental architecture (even as a whole, the entire project for the Romanian seaside started in the early 60`s had this characteristic). These shopping places are the prototype for the ones later placed inside preplanned residential areas across the country – of course, with slight changes according to the rather rough climate. They were open air pavilions, with glass boxes as stores and gardens patched along. The overall image resembled the one of the commercial strips, with neon lights and colour. It was a special kind of holiday atmosphere and freedom that was sought after. Furthermore, each of these architectural ensembles stands aside the box-like modernism of that time in Europe, by being charming and inviting towards visitors. Maybe the design team drew inspiration from the works of the European architects who went over the Ocean after the War.

Most of these early commercial centers are still in use during the summer. While some kept part of their original volume and plan close to the open-ing day, some lost their unique elements in a search to accommodate new features needed today.