Architectural Guidelines on protection and preservation of local architectural features in Dobrogea

Romanian rural areas are threatened of losing their traditional character, currently translated into a rich cultural, architectural, natural, social, culinary and economic heritage. The modernisation process meant to increase population’s life quality has changed the aspect of villages. Rural localities closer to urban areas or located in naturally beautiful surroundings are even under an increased pressure to enlarge and accommodate demographic developments. Existing traditional buildings, and new ones are vulnerable under this process and the efforts of preserving the vitality, authenticity and quality of the rural built environment should be assisted. The proposed guidelines define the region’s rural specificity in terms of buildings and architecture. Each part of a building is analised according to the local features and recommendations are formulated in order to emphasise the traditional construction “wisdom”, promote responsible use of local resources, introducing, at the same time, new techniques and materials, as well as renewable energy sourses. The guidelines are public and free-of-charge tools. The information provided is concrete, accessible, facilitating the adoption of sustainable solutions. The stakeholders are the Ministry of Culture, the Chamber of Architects and management authorities of rural development programmes. Beneficiaries include architects and engineers, local authorities, public and private investors, consultants and rural population.