D.G.R.F.P. Brasov
Reabilitation & compliance with fire safety requirements
Location - Brasov, Romania
Client - D.G.R.F.P. Brasov
Area - 13 000 mp
Architects Team - Larisa Cobuz, Alexandra Iuga, Vlad Bija, Ingrid Zarnovean, Liviu Zarnovean
Collaborators: EREN team, ULTRA-CON team
Status - Execution - 2025 - 2026
The rehabilitation and functional reconfiguration of the DGRFP headquarters has become necessary after nearly a quarter of a century since its construction. At that time, energy efficiency standards were virtually nonexistent, resulting in the lack of thermal insulation and the use of envelope elements that no longer meet current performance requirements — causing interior discomfort and significant energy loss.
Its location within Brasov’s Civic Center grants the building a dual vocation: that of a strong urban presence and, simultaneously, of an accessible public facility. Although the area is clearly structured from an urban planning perspective, the pedestrian experience remains vulnerable and in need of enhancement, especially in the context of a city with Brasov’s aspirations.
Beyond resolving technical inefficiencies, the intervention allowed for a recalibration of the architectural expression. The building is currently adjoined to existing structures with a strong visual presence in the area, prompting a holistic reconsideration of the ensemble. We sought a natural articulation in relation to the neighboring BRD bank building, a carefully considered expansion of glazed areas to better serve the users, and an overall composition that restores balance and elegance.
Given the building’s exposure to both sunrise and sunset, we opted for a facade material with reflective properties, enriching its daily dialogue with light.
At ground level, the pedestrian platform was reimagined through urban furniture elements — transforming it from a mere passage into a place with identity: a space of pause, attraction, and contemplation, as well as a flexible backdrop for public events or artistic interventions. In this way, the project subtly contributes to the renewed image of Brasov’s Civic Center.