THE VISION
The Garden Bell reimagines the historic garden of University House in Bucharest as a welcoming public landscape where heritage, nature, culture and everyday life come together.
Rather than competing with the existing architecture, the proposal strengthens its identity through a subtle landscape intervention centred on the Bell Garden, creating a clear sequence of spaces for gathering, learning and recreation.
FIVE DESIGN PRINCIPLES
- Preserve the historic character of the site.
- Restore biodiversity and ecological resilience.
- Create accessible and inclusive public spaces.
- Encourage education, culture and community life.
- Activate the garden throughout the year.
A LIVING CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
The restored greenhouses become spaces for learning, research and exhibitions, while the surrounding landscape supports both everyday use and cultural events within a unified and flexible garden.
Minimum Intervention.
Maximum Activation.
Inspired by years of experiencing this place as part of everyday life in central Bucharest, the proposal recognises its exceptional potential to become one of the city's most meaningful public gardens.
The Garden Bell is not simply the restoration of a historic garden. It is a vision for reconnecting University House with the city through a living landscape that invites people to meet, learn, celebrate and experience the garden throughout the year.
The Garden Bell | Bucharest, 2026
International Design Competition
