Urban Metamorphosis
Iuliana Georgiana Damir
I am Damir Iuliana Georgiana and I am an romanian architect and artist living in Barcelona, Spain. I graduated University of Architecture and Urbanism “Ion Mincu” in 2020 and I am also a former student at Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura de Barcelona, where I went in 2019.I would describe my activity as full-time building stories through architecture, and part-time telling stories through art. The connection between art and architecture can be seen in the way I approach architecture and also art. I use my architectural skills to develop a more sculptural art, playing with materials such as concrete, cement, plaster, mouse, wood etc. Also, the architecture I propose tends to be more conceptual and artistic by paying great attention to the details of textures, colors and shapes.
In 2016 my professional architectural journey started with organising the “East Centric” Architecture Triennale by Arhitext Foundation. I was also part of the technical editing team of the event’s publications. In 2017, I completed an internship at 441 Design Studio, where I participated in the realization of interior design and product design projects. In 2018, I worked at DSBA office (Dorin Stefan Birou de Arhitectura), where I was involved in various architectural projects and competitions. In 2019, I worked at the architectural office Studio Miolk, where I created the concepts of the projects, together with the team.
After finishing university, I worked for an interior, product and furniture design office, Glassworks. Starting with 2021 I worked as a junior architect at the romanian office Tecon, located in Bucharest. In may 2022 I moved to Barcelona, Spain where I enriched my experience in interior design by working at the office El Equipo Creativo.
Now, I am developing my own architecture, design and art office working between Romania and Spain, developing international projects that grow from the mixture of eastern and western european cultures.
Archyfest, the festival that brings architecture to the streets, is the event where the team gathers to create a third project together that aims to revitalize the urban fabric in an interdisciplinary way, through a blue scarf. Therefore, the "Urban Metamorphosis: Navigating the Labyrinth of Change" project redefines the tower of the "Ion Mincu" University of Architecture and Urbanism in the center of Bucharest, transforming it into an attractor, visible from several streets and establishing it as the defining landmark of the festival.
The architectural installation "Urban Metamorphosis: Navigating the Labyrinth of Change" invites visitors to immerse themselves in the dynamic relationship between Bucharest and its inhabitants. It challenges preconceived notions, stimulates dialogue and encourages a collective commitment to progress and development. This architectural installation demonstrates the resilience of both the built environment and its inhabitants. It metaphorically presents the fact that change is the only constant, serving as a manifesto for visitors to embrace the inevitable change and invites active participation in shaping the future of their city.
The installation unfolds before the viewer as a visual allegory, with strips of fabric weaving a vertical labyrinth - a symbolic initiatory journey that reflects both personal and societal development. This ascent, while rarely linear, is full of unexpected twists, challenges, and introspective visions. Each meeting in the labyrinth signifies a distinct stage in personal development, parallel to the continuous transformation of Bucharest itself.
"Urban Metamorphosis: Navigating the Labyrinth of Change" is more than just an installation; it is a transformative experience that embodies the essence of change and progress.