I was on a terrace with friends, on Blănari Street, in the historic center, the first time I saw the plaster falling in Bucharest.From an interwar building opposite were we were sitting, pieces of plaster simply fell around a balcony, about five meters away from us. it was the first time I really realized how dangerous it can be to simply go out into the city or walk around downtown when there are so many crumbling historic buildings that no one is rehabilitating.
in Romania there are more than 2,600 buildings with seismic risk of grade I and II, most of which are located in Bucharest. And although homeowners are required by law to cover the costs of rehabilitation, the reality is that many cannot afford it. That’s why they ask the mayor’s office for help, and from there everything gets stuck in the bureaucracy.
Video by VICE
BICO Industries, the largest manufacturer of fiberglass reinforcements for facades in Central and Eastern Europe, has decided to raise the alarm about the situation, through the Atencie NU Cade Tencuiala campaign. They encourage us all to mark on their maps where the plaster-falling blocks are in our cities,especially if it’s the block we live on.
Then they will help the rehabilitation work by donating to some of the eligible owners who registered their blocks by August, some fiberglass nets that will prevent those pieces of facade that endanger our lives from falling. They are currently in the phase where they are analyzing the proposals presented and will then deliver the necessary materials.
Even though the campaign has ended, they are still accepting entries on their interactive map to report the severity of the problem. The following year they proposed to do a second phase of the campaign in which they woudl also bring together other producers of materials to help rehabilitate the blocks, so that they coudl cover as much of the process as possible.
Inspired by their approach, we wanted to learn more from Adi Butuc, CEO of BICO, but also talk to the people on the streets of Bucharest most affected by the plaster danger, to see what solutions they see and how important the problem is for They.
#plaster #falling #Romania
What initiatives are being taken to address the plaster crisis in Bucharest?
Title: Addressing the Plaster Crisis in Bucharest: An Interview with Adi Butuc, CEO of BICO Industries
introduction:
as historic buildings in Bucharest show alarming signs of wear, such as crumbling plaster and debris falling into public spaces, we sit down with Adi Butuc, CEO of BICO Industries, to discuss the implications of this issue and the ongoing initiatives to address it. With over 2,600 buildings in Romania at seismic risk, the urgency for rehabilitation has never been more apparent.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us, Adi. Let’s start with your personal experience. You mentioned witnessing plaster falling from a historic building firsthand. How did that moment influence your perspective on the situation in Bucharest?
Adi Butuc: Thank you for having me. That moment was an eye-opener.It highlighted the risks we face daily due to negligence towards our historical architecture. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about safety.The reality is, many people do not recognize the dangers associated with these crumbling structures until something happens right in front of them.
Time.news Editor: With more than 2,600 buildings in Bucharest classified as having seismic risks, what are the main challenges property owners face when it comes to rehabilitation?
Adi Butuc: The major challenge is financial.While the law mandates owners to cover rehabilitation costs, many simply cannot afford it. This situation is exacerbated by bureaucratic hurdles when they seek assistance from local authorities. Sadly, without proactive measures, many of these buildings will continue to deteriorate.
Time.news Editor: Your company, BICO Industries, has launched the Atencie NU Cade Tencuiala campaign. Can you explain how this initiative addresses the issue of falling plaster?
Adi Butuc: Absolutely.Our campaign encourages citizens to mark dangerous locations on our interactive map. This allows us to assess the situation more efficiently and provide fiberglass nets to eligible owners for immediate support. Our goal is to mitigate the immediate risks while raising awareness about the larger issue, encouraging collective duty for our built heritage.
Time.news Editor: What role do the citizens of Bucharest play in this campaign?
Adi Butuc: Citizens are crucial. when they report areas where plaster is falling, they help us prioritize our efforts.It creates a sense of community engagement and responsibility. In many cases, individuals aren’t aware of how serious the situation is until they are directly impacted. Once they realise,many want to be part of the solution,and we’re here to facilitate that.
Time.news Editor: Moving forward,what do you envision for the second phase of the Atencie NU Cade Tencuiala campaign?
Adi Butuc: We want to expand our partnerships with other material producers. The rehabilitation process is multifaceted and requires a variety of resources. By bringing together multiple stakeholders,we aim to streamline the process and provide thorough solutions for affected buildings. Our hope is to not just repair façades but to revitalize entire neighborhoods.
Time.news Editor: For homeowners who are concerned about the safety of their properties, what practical advice can you offer?
Adi Butuc: First, they should conduct a thorough inspection of their property. If they find any signs of deterioration, it’s essential to report these issues, whether to local authorities or through our map. Secondly, they should seek professional assessments to understand the risks better and explore options for rehabilitation. even small actions can spark larger changes.
Time.news Editor: what message would you like to convey to the residents of Bucharest regarding this pressing issue?
Adi Butuc: I urge everyone to pay attention to their surroundings and advocate for our city’s safety. We must work together to preserve our architectural heritage while protecting our communities. The safety of our habitat starts with us—community engagement is key to driving real change.
Conclusion:
bucharest’s plaster crisis reflects a larger issue concerning the preservation of historic buildings and community safety. Initiatives like the Atencie NU Cade Tencuiala campaign are vital in mobilizing support for our city’s infrastructure and fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens. By engaging with their communities and advocating for necessary changes, residents can contribute to a safer future for Bucharest.