Griro Depot, Bucharest, is a rich mix of workspace, entertainment, retail, residential, hospitality and public spaces designed to revitalise a disused industrial site in the city centre. Working with KAP Studios on conceptual design, the masterplan designed by BAA seamlessly weaves modern buildings into these old buildings and spaces to create a distinctive new city district.

Approached via the Grivita metro station at the Southeast corner of the site the existing buildings are vast and striking structures, full of natural daylight and robust industrial character. Stripped back to their structural frames, these retained structures are used to create active urban spaces. A new path weaves through a new ‘Ground Level’ on top of the existing warehouses. It gives access to the office and residential buildings that line this new public space by connecting existing roof spaces with tennis courts, ice rinks, food markets and pedestrian promenades.

An entertainment complex is housed at the Northwest end of the site, acting as an anchor to draw residents and visitors through the retail spaces of the ground floor warehouses through to a music venue and landscaped gardens beyond.

Buildings open up in the summer, to reveal outdoor amphitheatres and impromptu stage spaces. Two new landmark office towers are positioned at the ends of the site helping delineate its boundaries and acting as wayfinders within the complex and beacons for the wider city. Between the towers a whole range of office, retail, hospitality and leisure uses open up to public squares and covered spaces.

Parking is intelligently managed over a 24-hour cycle, with office workers by day giving way to those visiting bars and entertainment venues in the evening. All vehicle traffic is pushed out to a new perimeter road allowing the heart of the project to remain pleasantly car free for families, flaneurs and cyclists alike.