Victoriei Square is a linear urban space framed by eclectic and Secession buildings with a coherent, well-defined image. Over time, added green spaces, scattered tree groupings and new objects divided it into unconvincing parts. The project restores its original spatial qualities by removing functional and visual barriers and adding elements that support a unified image.

The planting scheme reinforces the main axis while creating smaller, human-scale “green chambers”. The main square gets Acers, the area around Huniade Castle gets chestnuts, and the surrounding streets get linden trees, with medium-height plants at key points. The existing Taxus baccata are relocated to the Anton von Scudier Park. Flexible areas between the tree rows can host terraces, seating, vendors or events without altering the overall image.

Instead of lawns and flower beds, the strategy maximises tree coverage, adding more than 140% extra shade, improving the microclimate and supporting wildlife. Green areas, stabilised sand and permeable paving keep the ground permeable, and percolation tanks store rainwater for dry periods. The public lighting uses neutral tones on busy streets and warmer, dimmable lamps in pedestrian and planted areas to save energy and protect wildlife.

In front of the Cathedral, transit traffic is diverted to the city’s third ring and lanes are reduced. The space gained becomes green areas, wider sidewalks, cycling lanes and bus and taxi parking, and paving replaces asphalt to slow traffic. In front of the theatre, metal inlays in the paving recall the crowd of 1989. The former pedestrian underpass is reimagined as a cultural venue, with a new waterproof structure inserted inside the existing one.