Echoes of Transformation: From Industrial Past to Sustainable Future – RIVUS at the 2025 Transylvanian Architecture Biennale

As part of the Transylvanian Architecture Biennale (BATRA), the RIVUS project presents an art installation that tells a story of transformation, memory, and urban regeneration. The artwork, entitled “Echoes of Transformation: From Industrial Past to Sustainable Future,” can be admired any time until Sunday, October 26, on 2 Iuliu Maniu Street, right in the city center (in front of the Youth Center).

The installation „Echoes of Transformation: From Industrial Past to Sustainable Future” is a gallery of images that symbolically marks the transition from the industrial history of the Carbochim Factory to a new stage of development represented by RIVUS, the largest urban reconversion project in Romania. In the first phase of this initiative, IULIUS relocated the Carbochim Factory to a site designated for industrial use and invested 7 million euros to optimize and streamline operations, which continued without interruption.

Built upon an authentic element recovered from the former factory, the installation made of metal and textile components features a spiral of images that capture the story of the place and reflect the transformation process of the industrial site: from the founding of Carbochim in 1949 to the beginning of its modernization and conversion into a mixed-use urban space, open to the community. Throughout its history, the Cluj-based factory has faced numerous challenges and milestones, becoming over time a model of industrial best practices thanks to its capacity to adapt and evolve.

Installed on Monday, October 20, on 2 Iuliu Maniu Street, in front of the Youth Center, the artwork can be admired by Cluj residents, as well as by anyone interested in the project, until Sunday, October 26, as part of the Transylvanian Architecture Biennale (2025). It offers a great opportunity for the curious public to learn more about RIVUS and the transformation of the former industrial site into a vibrant part of the city.

The RIVUS project aims to preserve and celebrate the site’s history by retaining and integrating into the new development two buildings of architectural value — the former furnace hall, set to become the Arcade Hall, and the red-brick administrative building. By adopting this approach, the urban reconversion honors the area’s industrial heritage and reintegrates it into the fabric of the contemporary city.

Between October 17–26, 2025, Cluj-Napoca hosts the Transylvanian Architecture Biennale (BATRA) — one of the most important events dedicated to architecture in Romania. The event is organized by the Romanian Order of Architects, Transylvania Branch. This year’s edition is centered around the theme “est.etic”, an invitation to both the public and professionals to reflect on how ethics and aesthetics intertwine in shaping contemporary cities. The theme offers a modern perspective on the role of architecture in creating sustainable, responsible, and inclusive communities. Details about the event can be found here: www.batra.ro and www.oartransilvania.ro.