Once a “Circus of Hunger”, Piața Cotroceni now stands revitalized. It serves its original purpose as a commercial space. Let’s explore the story of this location.
Piața Cotroceni is located in Bucharest’s Cotroceni neighborhood. The building dates back to the 1980s. Back then, it was part of a series of agro-alimentary complexes. People called these complexes “Circuri ale foamei” or “Circuses of Hunger”.
The building features two levels. It has a double-height zone with a mezzanine. A semicylindrical vault-shaped skylight tops it off.
The project aimed to respect the building’s original function. It sought to organize a revitalized commercial space. Improvements and modernization were key.
The facade was cleaned. Strong colors unsuitable for the neighborhood were removed. The main access point was marked. Perforated sheet metal illuminated from behind now adorns the pillars. The canopy was replaced.
Inside, the old skylight was replaced. Over time, it had become hard to let natural light through. The existing mezzanine was extended. A lift was added for customers.
The geometry of the staircase was altered. Most of the existing staircase was kept. The metal railing was replaced. A parapet clad with slate now guides customers to the mezzanine level.
The design maximizes natural light. Dimmable lighting adjusts to the natural light levels. The linear structure of the existing skylight inspired the lighting design. An assembly of light fixtures was introduced in the cash register area. This creates a balance between the two forms of lighting.
White and anthracite gray dominate the color scheme. These colors highlight the wooden elements. They maintain an airy and bright space.
The new design respects the existing building. It improves the quality of commerce in the area. It elevates a commercial space from the 1980s to current standards. The transformation took place in just ten weeks. The construction started and ended during the pandemic. Client, designers, and constructor worked efficiently. They worked together safely.
Piața Cotroceni stands as a testament to revitalization. It demonstrates how to modernize while respecting history. It serves the Cotroceni neighborhood well. It offers a refreshed commercial experience. Next time you visit, remember its journey. From a “Circus of Hunger” to a modern market, it is a story of renewal.