In 1999, a very young team set up again the “Arhitectura” magazine. In 2002, the magazine went for an international format, and meanwhile it has become one of the most important architecture magazines in the region. The standard that the contents have reached forces us to rethink the format and graphic design, so that they are at the same level.
In the new format, information is reorganized and more easily available. But we do not give up the quality and thorough presentation of the topics specific to the magazine. The contents are divided into three main sections, each with its own clear identity, and we have introduced short summaries inside most articles. These changes allow for easy “surfing” and several reading levels – from a quick browse, focusing on essential information, to in-depth reading. The magazine becomes “friendlier” to all types of readers – from architects, designers and architecture/design students to the representatives of other artistic professions, building professionals and cultural audience.
The three sections are the following:
1. Speed
The front part of the magazine brings together promotion materials and dynamic editorial materials (from 1/6 to 1 page), including last minute information and different points of view: contests, most recent launches of important national or international projects, reviews, alternative projects, events, debates about the profession, harsh or enthusiastic critiques about what is happening in Romania, latest products and techniques.
2. Main section: projects
This section occupies most of the magazine and is dedicated to a thorough presentation of top architecture in Romania and abroad. The reviews and graphic materials present one work each, or files dedicated to one architect / office, one region or country.
We continue to focus on prestigious architects, but also on young architects. The prestige the magazine has earned over time is also due to the fact that most Romanian projects which have won awards or which are published in international magazines were presented for the first time in “Arhitectura”.
The critical attitude will be more forceful and alternative architecture (maximum creativity, technical innovation and ecological character) still enjoys large coverage. Inside this section, the existing column on the architecture phenomenon in central and south-eastern Europe is expanded; it is one of the main elements of the “Arhitectura” brand at the moment.
3. Around architecture
It is the most varied section: design and architecture theory (which enjoys even wider coverage than before), city planning and a visual arts column. We do not define ourselves as an architecture and visual arts magazine, but we consider that related subjects are essential to an intelligent and responsible way of making architecture.
A NEW DESIGN
The new graphic concept and the “rejuvenation” of the logo express the format change and are synchronized with the latest developments in design. The magazine becomes much more attractive to the young and very well informed segment of the audience, while still maintaining the identity and principles of a professional publication: clarity of information, large and high-quality pictures, numerous blueprints and technical details. Many of the changes are not visible at first sight, but they express a degree of maturity and quality which are rarely present on the Romanian market: balanced composition, readability and elegance of print, etc.
MORE THAN A MAGAZINE
The new format coincides with the launch of the new site formula and the development of the events organized by the magazine team. The “Zeppelin” series of events continue, as well as the one-time, but large-scale events: international exhibitions and conferences, architecture books launches.
We will develop the series of actions undertaken over the past years, which go past the critical viewpoint proper: suggest strategies and concrete alternative projects for the public space of our towns, for salvaging our national heritage and for an architecture which is ecologically and socially responsible. At present, in collaboration with architecture offices and different institutions, a series of projects for public spaces in Bucharest and Brasov, as well as a program for defining intervention strategies and principles for the rehabilitation of social era neighborhoods of apartment blocks are under way.
