Christian Youth Centre

The modernist, late-1920s villa is situated in an elegant residential area in central Timișoara, Romania. It stands back-to-back with the valuable ensemble of the local archbishopric. The project involves restoring the damaged villa, expanding it, and transforming it into a contemporary Youth Centre.

The concept follows two main threads. First, the preservation of the villa through retrofitting the concrete structure and restoring both the interior and exterior. The nearby intact twin villa provided valuable insights. Second, the villa was extended with a “suspended” new auditorium, connected to the archbishopric garden via a landform. This transitional space will host events, meetings, and casual interactions.

The new space features an ample stained-glass wall, overlooking the garden, created by the noted artist Oravitzan. The work will enhance a particular aspect of the interplay between light and space: solar light (LUMEN) versus symbolic, uncreated light (LUX). The cooperation between architect and artist to achieve a fully integrated work of art was complex but rewarding. Light must be treated carefully, using the best materials and technology.

The main goal of the new space was to create a bridge between the old and the new, the closed world of spirituality and the open world of contemporary youth. It is a unique project, recreating an entire ensemble, giving new life to a beautiful heritage building, and promoting connections between worlds through the magnificent interplay of light and space.