The Factory Built with Fujitsu Expertise
Table of Contents
A building on a former industrial platform in Târgu Mureș, Romania, stands out for its resilience—it was constructed in 1985 in collaboration with Japanese firm Fujitsu, specifically engineered to withstand powerful earthquakes. This robust design now presents a significant hurdle to redevelopment, as demolition would be exceptionally costly and complex.
While the building’s core structural integrity remains sound, years of disuse have taken a toll on its interior spaces and exterior facades.
What’s Next for the Former Industrial Site?
The 6.6-hectare site encompasses dozens of industrial buildings, ranging from production halls to reinforced concrete structures reaching up to nine stories. A Zonal Urban Plan is currently under public debate, proposing a transformation of the area into a community hub, featuring small-scale, non-polluting production and activities geared toward local residents, according to Observator News citing Economica.net.
- The plan prioritizes community-focused development.
- Existing buildings will be repurposed rather than demolished.
- The project aims to attract residents from Târgu Mureș and surrounding towns.
Owner Favors Renovation Over Demolition
Romaris, the current landowner, intends to reconfigure the site without resorting to demolition. According to Profit.ro, this conversion has the potential to become one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in Târgu Mureș, incorporating commerce, services, education, culture, and housing—with residential spaces limited to no more than 20% of the total built area.
The Azomureș photosensitive materials section, operational since the 1980s, once supplied approximately 75% of the radiological film needs for Romanian hospitals. However, the advent of digital technology rendered production unprofitable, leading to the factory’s closure. For nearly 15 years, the buildings have largely sat vacant, occasionally hosting cultural events and performances.
What makes this redevelopment unique? The project’s focus on preserving existing structures and integrating diverse functions—from commerce to culture—sets it apart as a potentially transformative urban renewal initiative.
