Faculty of Design

Environmental Design

Amanda Stan

Thesis: Inima Munților (The Heart of The Mountains)

Inima Muntilor, meaning the heart of the mountains is a sports community building in the heart of the Carpathian mountains in Poina Brasov Romania. The building intends to be a catalyst for community engagement, bringing people together, and creating a sense of place in the heart of Poiana Brasov. Intending to reactivate the central area of the town, attracting residents and visitors alike, and become a focal point for social interaction, economic vitality, and local cultural exchange. Through its innovative design that integrates a market small business shops, sports facilities and social areas the building strives to revived the town center and rekindled a sense of community spirit among the residents of Poiana Brasov. The new community facility in Poiana Brasov draws inspiration from the iconic Maramures architecture, a style synonymous with the region's cultural heritage. The facility's design pays homage to the traditional Carpathian style, featuring steep roofs, wooden accents, and intricate detailing that echo the maramures architectural elements. The design of the new sports facility beautifully blends the historic architecture of Poiana Brasov with modern sensibilities, creating a unique and inviting space that respects the town's heritage while providing state-of-the-art facilities for sports and recreation. Vibrant hub that is revitalizing the central area of the town and bringing the community together. In addition to its state-of-the-art sports facilities, the building has been designed to include a market and small business shops, which are owned by local residents. The market, located within the building, showcases the region's fresh produce, crafts, and local specialties, creating a bustling marketplace where residents and visitors can connect with local farmers and artisans. It has become a gathering place where people can shop for fresh ingredients, sample local delicacies, and learn about the rich culinary heritage of the area. The small business shops, also housed within the building, provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services. The small shops not only provide economic opportunities for the residents but also foster a sense of community pride and ownership as the locals see their own businesses thrive. INTERIOR DESIGN: The interior design materials chosen from the town of Poiana Brasov in Romania reflect a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements, utilizing locally-sourced and sustainable materials to create a sense of warmth, authenticity, and connection to the natural surroundings. The design incorporates natural stone, wood, and metal finishes, sourced from the nearby Carpathian Mountains, highlighting the region's rich natural resources. Local craftsmanship is celebrated through handcrafted textiles, rugs, and ceramics, adding a touch of cultural identity to the interior spaces. These choices of materials creates an environment that respects the local heritage and promotes the well-being of its residents and visitors.

“MY THESIS STRIVES TO IMPROVE THE IMPROVE THE OVERALL HEALTH OF ITS COMMUNITY THROUGH INCORPORATING THE IMPORTANCE OF SITE, CULTURE, BIOPHILLIC AND HUMAN SCALE DESIGN PHILOSOPHIES. MY THESIS INTENDS TO BE A COMMUNITY HUB ENTAILING TO SUPPORT SMALL COMMUNITY NEEDS, AND BECOME A CENTRAL PEICE OF THE COMMUNITY IN ASPECTS OF WELLNESS, ECONOMICS AND OVERALL ACTIVITY. BREAKING THE NORMALITY OF THE SKATING /SPORTS ARENA BUILDING TYPOLOGY, MY DESIGN INTENDS TO CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN OUTDOOR AND INDOOR SPACE, METAPHORICALLY SERVE AS A SECOND HOME FOR ITS USERS TO RECONNECT WITH THEIR CULTURE, GIVE EVERYONE THE CHANCE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH SPORT AND BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.”