How the project has transformed the city center to create a sustainable and inclusive future
How can a city with a rich historical legacy preserve its authenticity while embracing contemporary change? Brașov’s HUB-IN strives to answer this question by not only respecting the past but also integrating it into a dynamic and inclusive future. Through the HUB-IN project, the city turned this challenge into an opportunity, celebrating the spirit of the community and the beauty of its historic heritage.
By conducting studies, engaging in public consultations and collaborating closely with architects, urban planners and local communities, Brașov ‘s HUB-IN redefined historical and cultural heritage as a living, adaptable resource. This bold initiative has brought new life into the public spaces of the Historic Urban Area (HUA) and laid the groundwork for rebuilding relationships among all stakeholders: residents, tourists, city authorities and experts.
Transforming the public realm
What if Brașov’s historic squares and streets became more than just transit paths for locals? The HUB-IN project set in motion an ambitious reimagining: public spaces were redesigned to be welcoming, functional and citizen friendly. By analyzing how these areas are used, both privately and publicly, the project produced two key guides: the Public Furniture Placement Guide and the Seasonal Terrace Placement Guide, both tailored to Brașov’s historic center.
The revitalization process began in 2021 with extensive community dialogue: participatory workshops, surveys and public debates brought residents’ real needs to light. In this way, spaces once dominated by private businesses were reorganized with the purpose of reopening the city for its citizens.
The result? A more accessible, balanced and inclusive historic center that meets the needs of both citizens and the tourists who visit the city each year.
The City as a Classroom
Brașov’s students were invited to leave a lasting mark on their city by participating in two summer schools that transformed the city into a living classroom. Guided by architects and specialists, they created “pretext objects” in the form of urban furniture placed in key squares within the historic center. These playful, multifunctional structures were designed to spark dialogue and connections among people, becoming symbols of urban regeneration and the creativity of a new generation.
Through these summer schools, the old town became an educational space, giving young people the chance to express their ideas and actively contribute to the city’s revival. Their interventions addressed the needs of the local community while enhancing the daily experience of over 5,000 students and pupils who frequent the area.
Brașov by Night
How do we perceive the city when night falls? Public lighting is not just a technical necessity; it’s a subtle art that shapes how people feel and interact with urban spaces. As part of HUB-IN Brașov, a comprehensive study of the historic center’s lighting revealed the community’s desires: a safer city, a harmonious night-time landscape and heritage brought to life through thoughtful lighting.
Residents called for ways of lighting that respects the historic character of the city, emphasizing the need for visual consistency in color and intensity and adapting lighted advertisements to the area’s architectural specificity. Monuments, streets and squares emerged as central elements worthy of enhanced lighting.
The outcome of these analyses and consultations? A Masterplan for Historic Center Lighting, giving Brașov the chance to reclaim its symbolic brilliance while transforming the old town into a more inviting and secure space.
Stimulating a new sense of belonging
Brașov’s HUB-IN demonstrated that urban regeneration thrives on collaboration and adaptability. Public participation and inclusive design have not only improved public spaces but also strengthened the bonds among the people who use them daily.
A model for a sustainable future
Brașov’s HUB-IN goes beyond the past and the present, offering a vision for a sustainable future. This innovative project has infused a new life into the city’s historic streets and squares, placing communities back in their heart.
It stands as proof that cultural heritage is the key to building a future shaped by people, for people.
Discover the stories of the European cities involved in the HUB-IN project: have a look at the Storytelling Booklets!
