RESTORATION OF SYNAGOGUE BUILDING
RESTORATION OF SYNAGOGUE BUILDING
The Synagogue Restoration Project in Seini transforms a historic landmark into a vibrant cultural and educational hub. By preserving heritage and integrating modern technology the restored synagogue will serve as the Museum of Jews from Transylvania and a venue for exhibitions, concerts, and community events. Aligned with sustainable urban development, this initiative enhances Seini’s cultural identity and promotes tourism, inclusivity, and artistic expression. The project has already started.
Romania
Is located in Seini, Maramureș County, Romania
Early initiative
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
North-West Regional Program 2021-2027
No
108963: Oras Seini (RO)
The "Synagogue Building Restoration" project in Seini, Romania, seeks to preserve and revitalize an important cultural heritage site while addressing the community’s evolving needs. The initiative transforms the historic Synagogue into the Museum of Jews in Transylvania and a multifunctional cultural venue for exhibitions, concerts, and artistic events. The project aligns with national and European strategies for heritage conservation and urban regeneration, integrating sustainability, accessibility, and digitalization. The restoration process includes preserving architectural elements, modernizing the structure with climate control and sound systems, and converting the annex into an administrative space with essential facilities. The surrounding courtyard will be redesigned as a green urban park with pedestrian walkways, social areas, and ambient lighting, reinforcing Seini’s commitment to sustainability and quality public spaces. The Synagogue’s location in the city center and its inclusion in the Maramureș Road tourism circuit will enhance its visibility, attract visitors, and stimulate the local economy. Accessibility is prioritized through bike-friendly infrastructure and proximity to eco-friendly public transport. The project integrates modern technologies such as interactive digital displays and assistive solutions for people with disabilities, making cultural heritage more engaging and inclusive. By hosting diverse cultural events, including film screenings, theater performances, and symphonic concerts, the Synagogue will become a vibrant community hub that fosters creativity, education, and social cohesion. This initiative embodies the principles of the New European Bauhaus by combining sustainability, innovation, cultural heritage, and social inclusion into a dynamic model of urban development. It strengthens the city’s cultural identity, enriches community life, and contributes to a more attractive and resilient urban environment.
Heritage
Culture
Accessibility
Community
Sustainability
The key objectives of the "Synagogue Restoration" project in terms of sustainability focus on integrating environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability into urban regeneration. By restoring the Synagogue, we aim to create a model of cultural heritage conservation that contributes to the city’s green transformation while ensuring long-term sustainability.
One of the core objectives is to revitalize the Synagogue’s courtyard into a green public space with green areas, pedestrian pathways, and urban furniture. This transformation will provide a social and recreational space for the community, improve the urban environment, and contribute to the reduction of pollution. It reflects our commitment to sustainable urban planning, providing a welcoming environment that fosters social interaction and community cohesion.
Sustainable mobility is another key aspect of the project. The Synagogue’s location along one of Seini’s new bicycle paths and the installation of bike racks will encourage residents and visitors to use eco-friendly transportation. Additionally, the proximity of an electric bus stop in front of the Synagogue supports sustainable public transport, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles and lowering the city’s carbon footprint.
In terms of energy efficiency, modern heating and cooling systems, along with sustainable materials in the renovation, will minimize resource consumption.
By combining heritage conservation with sustainable practices, the project will serve as an example of how cultural heritage can play a key role in achieving sustainability. It will contribute to the city’s green goals, enhancing the urban environment while preserving a historical landmark.
One of the core objectives is to revitalize the Synagogue’s courtyard into a green public space with green areas, pedestrian pathways, and urban furniture. This transformation will provide a social and recreational space for the community, improve the urban environment, and contribute to the reduction of pollution. It reflects our commitment to sustainable urban planning, providing a welcoming environment that fosters social interaction and community cohesion.
Sustainable mobility is another key aspect of the project. The Synagogue’s location along one of Seini’s new bicycle paths and the installation of bike racks will encourage residents and visitors to use eco-friendly transportation. Additionally, the proximity of an electric bus stop in front of the Synagogue supports sustainable public transport, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles and lowering the city’s carbon footprint.
In terms of energy efficiency, modern heating and cooling systems, along with sustainable materials in the renovation, will minimize resource consumption.
By combining heritage conservation with sustainable practices, the project will serve as an example of how cultural heritage can play a key role in achieving sustainability. It will contribute to the city’s green goals, enhancing the urban environment while preserving a historical landmark.
The project aims to offer an exceptional experience for people by transforming the Seini Synagogue into a beautiful and welcoming space. The goal is to preserve the Synagogue’s historical beauty while adding modern elements. This combination will create a place that respects the past but is also functional and comfortable for visitors today.
The restoration will keep the architectural style of the Synagogue, but will also include new features such as better lighting, sound systems, and accessible spaces. These updates will make the building more enjoyable for visitors and will help to preserve its historical value. The design will focus on making the space welcoming, with comfortable areas for relaxation and community interaction.
In addition to this, the Synagogue’s courtyard will be turned into a small park with green spaces, benches, and areas for socializing. This will allow visitors to relax and enjoy their time in the area.
Cultural activities will be an important part of the project. The Synagogue will host concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, and other events, offering a platform for local artists. This will help to boost the cultural life in the city and attract tourists.
This project is a good example of how heritage can be respected and preserved, while also being updated to provide a better experience for everyone. It shows that we can respect the past and create a space that’s both beautiful and functional for the future.
The restoration will keep the architectural style of the Synagogue, but will also include new features such as better lighting, sound systems, and accessible spaces. These updates will make the building more enjoyable for visitors and will help to preserve its historical value. The design will focus on making the space welcoming, with comfortable areas for relaxation and community interaction.
In addition to this, the Synagogue’s courtyard will be turned into a small park with green spaces, benches, and areas for socializing. This will allow visitors to relax and enjoy their time in the area.
Cultural activities will be an important part of the project. The Synagogue will host concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, and other events, offering a platform for local artists. This will help to boost the cultural life in the city and attract tourists.
This project is a good example of how heritage can be respected and preserved, while also being updated to provide a better experience for everyone. It shows that we can respect the past and create a space that’s both beautiful and functional for the future.
The key objective of this initiative is to create an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, feels welcome and has access to cultural experiences. The design of the Synagogue and its surrounding spaces will follow the principles of universal accessibility, ensuring that people with disabilities can easily navigate and enjoy the venue.
In terms of affordability, the project aims to provide free access to cultural events and activities, making them available to a broad range of people. This ensures that the local community, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can participate in the cultural life of the Synagogue.
The initiative also embraces inclusivity in its governance and operation. Public consultations were conducted to ensure that the local community has a voice in the project, and future decision-making will involve residents and key stakeholders. The aim is to create a space that serves the needs of all, from local citizens to tourists, through open participation and transparency.
Moreover, the Synagogue will host diverse cultural events, ensuring representation of different social groups, including marginalized communities, and promoting intercultural dialogue. By designing a space for everyone, the project will not only foster social cohesion but also set an example of how public spaces can be developed with inclusion at their core.
In terms of affordability, the project aims to provide free access to cultural events and activities, making them available to a broad range of people. This ensures that the local community, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can participate in the cultural life of the Synagogue.
The initiative also embraces inclusivity in its governance and operation. Public consultations were conducted to ensure that the local community has a voice in the project, and future decision-making will involve residents and key stakeholders. The aim is to create a space that serves the needs of all, from local citizens to tourists, through open participation and transparency.
Moreover, the Synagogue will host diverse cultural events, ensuring representation of different social groups, including marginalized communities, and promoting intercultural dialogue. By designing a space for everyone, the project will not only foster social cohesion but also set an example of how public spaces can be developed with inclusion at their core.
Citizens of Seini have been involved in the "Synagogue Restoration" project from the beginning to make sure their opinions are heard. A questionnaire was created to ask citizens what they think about the project. This helped get important feedback and also allowed the project to earn extra points in the evaluation. We encouraged as many people as possible to fill it out so we could make sure the project meets the needs of the community.
The Antiques Fair has also been a great way to involve people. It’s already had two editions, with the third edition coming soon. During the first edition, visitors were able to tour the Synagogue and talk about what could happen with the building. These open discussions helped people feel connected to the project and understand what it meant for the community. In the second edition, the public was invited to see the ongoing restoration work and participate in more discussions. This gave people a chance to see how the project was progressing and voice their thoughts and concerns.
This involvement has been really important. By including the community from the start, we make sure the final result will be something everyone values. The people of Seini now feel like they have a say in the future of the Synagogue, making them feel proud of the project. This process of including citizens has created a transparent and open way of working, which will help make sure the project is a success and truly represents the wishes of the community.
The Antiques Fair has also been a great way to involve people. It’s already had two editions, with the third edition coming soon. During the first edition, visitors were able to tour the Synagogue and talk about what could happen with the building. These open discussions helped people feel connected to the project and understand what it meant for the community. In the second edition, the public was invited to see the ongoing restoration work and participate in more discussions. This gave people a chance to see how the project was progressing and voice their thoughts and concerns.
This involvement has been really important. By including the community from the start, we make sure the final result will be something everyone values. The people of Seini now feel like they have a say in the future of the Synagogue, making them feel proud of the project. This process of including citizens has created a transparent and open way of working, which will help make sure the project is a success and truly represents the wishes of the community.
The "Synagogue Restoration" project has involved stakeholders at various levels, from local to European, to ensure its success and alignment with broader goals. At the local level, the City Hall of Seini help to coordinate the project and ensure that it meets the needs of the community.
At the regional level, the Maramureș county council have been involved, supporting the project’s integration into the Maramureș Road tourist circuit and more. This alignment has made the Synagogue a key cultural stop in the region, benefiting both tourism and local development. The regional authorities have also supported the project in terms of funding and public outreach.
At the national level, the project aligns with the National Strategy for the Protection of Historical Monuments 2022-2032, which emphasizes cultural heritage as a part of national identity. Various cultural institutions and experts have been consulted to ensure the restoration process follows best practices in preserving historical sites.
Finally, at the European level, the project is in line with the New European Bauhaus initiative, which promotes sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically engaging urban development. The initiative's alignment with European values, such as sustainability and social inclusion, ensures that it contributes to the larger goal of a more interconnected, green, and cultural Europe.
At the regional level, the Maramureș county council have been involved, supporting the project’s integration into the Maramureș Road tourist circuit and more. This alignment has made the Synagogue a key cultural stop in the region, benefiting both tourism and local development. The regional authorities have also supported the project in terms of funding and public outreach.
At the national level, the project aligns with the National Strategy for the Protection of Historical Monuments 2022-2032, which emphasizes cultural heritage as a part of national identity. Various cultural institutions and experts have been consulted to ensure the restoration process follows best practices in preserving historical sites.
Finally, at the European level, the project is in line with the New European Bauhaus initiative, which promotes sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically engaging urban development. The initiative's alignment with European values, such as sustainability and social inclusion, ensures that it contributes to the larger goal of a more interconnected, green, and cultural Europe.
The "Synagogue Restoration" project reflects the three main principles of the New European Bauhaus: sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics.
First, sustainability is central to the design. Architects and urban planners have worked together to restore the building while using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. The green spaces around the Synagogue, promote urban sustainability and improving the local environment.
In terms of inclusivity, the project prioritizes accessibility for all. The Synagogue will be fully accessible. This includes ramps for people with disabilities. The project also involved local citizens through surveys and community events like the Antiques Fair, making sure that the Synagogue will serve the needs of everyone in the community.
Finally, the project places a strong emphasis on aesthetics and quality of experience. Experts in heritage preservation and the arts have worked together to blend the Synagogue's historical value with modern elements. The restoration focuses on maintaining the building’s beauty while creating a space for cultural events. This collaborative approach will ensure the Synagogue is not just a museum, but a vibrant cultural space that engages visitors.
By bringing together professionals from different fields, this project creates a unique and holistic space that embodies the New European Bauhaus principles, providing a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically enriching experience for all.
First, sustainability is central to the design. Architects and urban planners have worked together to restore the building while using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. The green spaces around the Synagogue, promote urban sustainability and improving the local environment.
In terms of inclusivity, the project prioritizes accessibility for all. The Synagogue will be fully accessible. This includes ramps for people with disabilities. The project also involved local citizens through surveys and community events like the Antiques Fair, making sure that the Synagogue will serve the needs of everyone in the community.
Finally, the project places a strong emphasis on aesthetics and quality of experience. Experts in heritage preservation and the arts have worked together to blend the Synagogue's historical value with modern elements. The restoration focuses on maintaining the building’s beauty while creating a space for cultural events. This collaborative approach will ensure the Synagogue is not just a museum, but a vibrant cultural space that engages visitors.
By bringing together professionals from different fields, this project creates a unique and holistic space that embodies the New European Bauhaus principles, providing a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically enriching experience for all.
The "Synagogue Restoration" project stands out due to its innovative approach in combining heritage conservation with modern technology and sustainability. Unlike traditional restoration projects, this initiative doesn't just focus on preserving the building but also on making it a vibrant, interactive space for the community.Overall, the initiative takes a holistic, modern approach to heritage conservation, combining technology, sustainability, and community involvement to create a cultural hub that is not just a historical monument but a dynamic, living space.
Digital features will make the Synagogue's history more accessible, especially for people with disabilities and younger generations.
The project combines heritage preservation with eco-friendly solutions. Energy-efficient systems, climate control, and a green park in the Synagogue’s courtyard are part of a sustainable approach to urban renewal. Additionally, initiatives like bike racks and electric bus stops promote green transportation, which is often overlooked in similar projects.
This project stands out due to its strong focus on community involvement. Local citizens have been consulted through surveys, public meetings, and events such as the Antiques Fair, allowing them to contribute ideas for the future of the Synagogue. This ensures the project reflects the needs and desires of the local population, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion.
The Synagogue will not only serve as a museum but also become a cultural center for the community. Hosting symphonic concerts, exhibitions, and educational events, the initiative connects cultural heritage with modern-day social engagement, creating a dynamic space that brings people together.
The Synagogue’s inclusion in the "Maramureș Road" tourist circuit enhances Seini’s visibility as a cultural destination, boosting both tourism and local economic development.
The project combines heritage preservation with eco-friendly solutions. Energy-efficient systems, climate control, and a green park in the Synagogue’s courtyard are part of a sustainable approach to urban renewal. Additionally, initiatives like bike racks and electric bus stops promote green transportation, which is often overlooked in similar projects.
This project stands out due to its strong focus on community involvement. Local citizens have been consulted through surveys, public meetings, and events such as the Antiques Fair, allowing them to contribute ideas for the future of the Synagogue. This ensures the project reflects the needs and desires of the local population, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion.
The Synagogue will not only serve as a museum but also become a cultural center for the community. Hosting symphonic concerts, exhibitions, and educational events, the initiative connects cultural heritage with modern-day social engagement, creating a dynamic space that brings people together.
The Synagogue’s inclusion in the "Maramureș Road" tourist circuit enhances Seini’s visibility as a cultural destination, boosting both tourism and local economic development.
The project has high potential for transferability and replicability in other locations.
One key element that can be replicated is the inclusive design approach. By ensuring the Synagogue is accessible to all – including people with disabilities – this method can be applied to other public buildings.
Another transferable aspect is the community involvement process. The use of surveys and public consultations to gather citizens' feedback ensures that the project addresses the needs of the local community. This participatory approach can be replicated in other towns or cities planning similar heritage revitalization projects, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard and its needs are met.
The project’s focus on sustainability is another element that can be transferred. The use of energy-efficient technologies, and the creation of green spaces around the Synagogue can serve as a model for other projects looking to integrate sustainability in their design. Additionally, the integration of sustainable mobility practices, such as bicycle racks and access to public transport, could be applied in urban areas looking to promote greener transport options.
Finally, the cultural programming – such as hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and community events – is a practice that can be adapted to other cultural sites.
One key element that can be replicated is the inclusive design approach. By ensuring the Synagogue is accessible to all – including people with disabilities – this method can be applied to other public buildings.
Another transferable aspect is the community involvement process. The use of surveys and public consultations to gather citizens' feedback ensures that the project addresses the needs of the local community. This participatory approach can be replicated in other towns or cities planning similar heritage revitalization projects, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard and its needs are met.
The project’s focus on sustainability is another element that can be transferred. The use of energy-efficient technologies, and the creation of green spaces around the Synagogue can serve as a model for other projects looking to integrate sustainability in their design. Additionally, the integration of sustainable mobility practices, such as bicycle racks and access to public transport, could be applied in urban areas looking to promote greener transport options.
Finally, the cultural programming – such as hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and community events – is a practice that can be adapted to other cultural sites.
One major challenge it tackles is cultural heritage preservation. As many cultural and historical sites face neglect or deterioration, the initiative ensures that an important piece of Jewish heritage in Seini is preserved for future generations. This contributes to the global effort of safeguarding cultural diversity and identity, ensuring that smaller communities, like Seini, can maintain their historical narratives alongside more well-known global heritage sites.
Another global issue addressed is sustainability. The project focuses on eco-friendly, integrating green spaces and sustainable mobility options. By prioritizing environmentally conscious building practices, including the promotion of biking over car use, the project provides a local solution to the global climate crisis. It also contributes to reducing pollution and promoting sustainable living practices in urban areas.
Additionally, the project combats the global challenge of social exclusion. The restoration integrates inclusive design to make the Synagogue accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This reflects the global commitment to building inclusive societies where all individuals, regardless of background or ability, have equal access to cultural and public spaces.
Another global issue addressed is sustainability. The project focuses on eco-friendly, integrating green spaces and sustainable mobility options. By prioritizing environmentally conscious building practices, including the promotion of biking over car use, the project provides a local solution to the global climate crisis. It also contributes to reducing pollution and promoting sustainable living practices in urban areas.
Additionally, the project combats the global challenge of social exclusion. The restoration integrates inclusive design to make the Synagogue accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This reflects the global commitment to building inclusive societies where all individuals, regardless of background or ability, have equal access to cultural and public spaces.
So far, the project has focused on sustainability by using eco-friendly systems and creating green spaces around the Synagogue. These efforts reflect NEB’s goal of making spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly. The project also prioritizes accessibility by ensuring the building will be open to all.
From the start, the community has been involved. We gathered feedback through a questionnaire to understand the needs and ideas of the people in Seini. This helps ensure the project meets their expectations. We also engaged the community through the Antiques Fair, where people had the chance to visit the Synagogue, share ideas, and discuss what will happen with the space. This shows how we value inclusion and participation, key principles of the NEB.
Next, we will finish restoring the building and add modern technology. The Synagogue will become a place for cultural events, performances, and exhibitions. Citizens will continue to be involved through another Antiques Fair and visits to the construction site, where they can see the progress and offer their input. We will continue to follow NEB values by ensuring the building is beautiful, functional, and open to everyone.
From the start, the community has been involved. We gathered feedback through a questionnaire to understand the needs and ideas of the people in Seini. This helps ensure the project meets their expectations. We also engaged the community through the Antiques Fair, where people had the chance to visit the Synagogue, share ideas, and discuss what will happen with the space. This shows how we value inclusion and participation, key principles of the NEB.
Next, we will finish restoring the building and add modern technology. The Synagogue will become a place for cultural events, performances, and exhibitions. Citizens will continue to be involved through another Antiques Fair and visits to the construction site, where they can see the progress and offer their input. We will continue to follow NEB values by ensuring the building is beautiful, functional, and open to everyone.
