Towards a More Cohesive and Accessible City Centre: Bridging the Gap Between Historical Identity and Modern Community’s Needs—Case Study: Lugoj City, Romania

The centres of historical cities have changed trying to accommodate modern urban needs, while maintaining the original bohemian atmosphere that represents the identity of the local community. Restoration, according to Cesare Brandi, goes beyond mere physical repairs and focuses on preserving the core historical and cultural significance of a building within its context. Brandi highlights the importance of the surrounding environment, suggesting that the “horizontal plan” around a structure should be prioritised to ensure its recognition within its historical setting. Decisions about preserving or removing additions should be informed by historical evidence, as modifications over time contribute to the building’s narrative. Aesthetic considerations are secondary to historical accuracy, with the primary goal being the preservation of the building’s relationship with its context rather than its visual appeal. This perspective aligns with Giovannoni’s view that preservation should not focus solely on individual monuments but on the broader urban fabric, which collectively forms the city’s historical environment. By respecting the context in which buildings exist, restoration efforts can maintain their role in the larger space. Ultimately, the aim is to balance the conservation of architectural value with modern needs, all while ensuring that the structure’s historical integrity is maintained. While there is extensive research on heritage conservation and accessibility, there remains a lack of integrated strategies that harmoniously address both cultural preservation and inclusive access. This paper presents an urban study made on the historical centre of Lugoj, a Romanian city with interesting architecture. This study aims to illustrate how creating an urban promenade can improve cohesion between old and new, creating a harmonious public space that reflects the identity of the local community. Moreover, the accessibility of the case study area is investigated, following four major categories of special needs, mobility, visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments, and offering recommendations for a better public space for all the citizens.