visterniceni archaeological park




















location: mun. Chisinau, Moldovasite area: 1,9 haarea: 1600  m²project year: 2022client: ArcheoDanube  DGAURFlead architects: maxim calujacproject team: maxim calujac, alina ocuneva, ecaterina belaia,  usatii cristina, mariana agleanov, irina dubinschi
The archaeological site represents a stratigraphic artifact of the history and formation of the site known as Visterniceni in the city. In the specialized literature, the area is known as Chișinău III, and it dates back to the first human settlements from the Mesolithic epoch.
The project aims to create a public space that serves as an archaeological park and museum, attracting both tourists and locals. The administration building and key entrance provide visitors with information about the site, a souvenir shop, museum entry tickets, and other amenities. The project's main objective is to integrate the buildings into the natural landscape, making the site accessible and interesting to visitors of all categories.

main entrance | administration | touristic center

The building's rooftop does not interrupt the landscape line, which makes the greenery more attractive for visitors to explore the park. The "aisle" that crosses the glazed facade of the administrative building invites visitors to enter the amphitheater located at the intersection of two axes - one from the circus and the other from the church. This offers a visual connection between the circus and the existing church. 

amphitheatre

The center of the amphitheater serves as a stage for a variety of cultural events and performances, transforming into a small water pool to serve as a recreation area during warm weather and connecting the administrative building with the museum.

cantilevered viewing platform

The use of monolithic tinted reinforced concrete in the construction of the buildings creates a modern design and durable construction that will remain appealing for a long time. The architect uses the concrete's brick color to add a historical element, linking the building to the city's history and its brick portals into the basements. The use of materials such as clinker and concrete can also add a more modern and architectural aspect to this idea.
A viewing platform made of tinted reinforced concrete becomes an interesting addition to the archaeological park, creating a visual connection with the oldest surviving Church of the Mazarakia. This offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the place from different perspectives and see other historical places in the town.

museum

The museum zone comprises a permanent exposition hall, technical rooms, a cafeteria, and a hall for temporary exhibitions and events. This building is designed to crush in the wave of the landhill and offers a view over the city's surroundings. The southern perimeter of the museum interferes with an old fence - a stone wall - which is inserted into the interior of the construction as a part of the exhibition space. This space is lit by the crossed line of a glazed roof, making it naturally lit and energy-efficient.