Last December, Romanian Design Week and Concéntrico launched the Objects in the City open call, inviting creatives from around the world to propose temporary urban interventions that reinterpret existing elements in the cityscape through minimal design exercises. This joint initiative aimed to foster ideas that emphasize sustainability, innovation, and a deeper understanding of community needs.
After the jury process, two winning projects were selected for their innovative approach to public space:
"Reciclar la Ecología" – a project that reimagines how we design cities in relation to the natural world, questioning the role of humans among other living beings. This project will be implemented in Logroño, Spain, during the Concéntrico Festival (June 19-24).
"¡Me Apunto!" – an urban intervention that strengthens the connection between pedestrians and green spaces by integrating nature into the social fabric of the city. This project will be implemented in Bucharest during Romanian Design Week (May 16-25) as part of the new RDW & The City format.
By blending greenery with public seating, ¡Me Apunto! encourages participation, connection, and awareness of natural elements that shape the urban experience. The modular bench system, designed with special cutouts for tree trunks, allows passersby to enjoy the cool shade on sunny late-spring days—turning trees into true companions in the city.
Behind this innovative concept is Studio An-An (安安), a Chicago-based design studio founded by Zixuan Luo & Bella Wu. The name "安" (ān) comes from a Chinese character representing a safe and comfortable home, reflecting the studio’s mission to create spaces that inspire a sense of belonging and curiosity. Their work, ranging from architecture to installations, tackles contemporary challenges through simple yet impactful ideas. Studio An-An’s projects have been internationally recognized and exhibited at the 2024 Tallinn Architecture Biennale, Seoul Center of Architecture and Urbanism, and Fundació Mies van der Rohe in Barcelona.
RDW & The City is a new Romanian Design Week format dedicated to reconnecting people with their urban environment. It will feature a series of temporary urban interventions placed in public spaces, open to everyone. These installations invite the public to explore new places for relaxation, social interaction, and dialogue—offering a fresh perspective on how we experience and interact with the city.
#UrbanDesign #PublicSpaces #ObjectsInTheCity #DesignForCommunity