On November 15, 2024, the UTM Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning (FUA) hosted the 12th International Conference on “Current Issues in Urbanism and Architecture.” This event is part of the celebrations marking UTM’s 60th anniversary and FUA’s 52 years since its founding. It brought together specialists, researchers, and practitioners from various related fields to discuss challenges and innovations in architecture and urban planning.
Acting Dean of FUA, Eugeniu BRAGUȚA, opened the event, highlighting its significance for the academic and professional community:
“November 15 is a special day for the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, marking 52 years since its establishment. On this occasion, I congratulate the entire academic community and emphasize that urbanism and architecture play a key role in the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova by creating a built environment that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and adapted to community needs.”
The conference included participants from Romania, Belarus, and Ukraine, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices across borders. UTM students and faculty had the unique opportunity to engage directly with these international experts, strengthening academic and professional connections on a global scale.
Prof. Dr. Hab. Vasile TRONCIU, UTM Vice-Rector for Research, delivered a message on behalf of the university administration, emphasizing collaboration and innovation:
“We face pressing issues in urbanism and architecture, and we hope this conference will act as a catalyst for solutions. By bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners, we can propose innovative, science- and technology-driven strategies to address society’s real needs.”
The conference covered a diverse range of crucial topics, including:
- Urban and regional planning, rehabilitation, and revitalization;
- Conservation and restoration of built heritage;
- Urban mobility and traffic safety;
- Energy efficiency and sustainability in construction;
- Urban design and interior architecture.
These areas were examined in the context of emerging challenges and solutions, many of which were presented by renowned researchers and practitioners from Moldova and abroad.
Sergiu Bejan, Director of the State Roads Administration, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his personal connection to FUA:
“Every time I return to the faculty, I feel a unique sense of emotion because FUA is a part of me. Today, on the occasion of its 52nd anniversary, I feel immense pride in the achievements of this faculty and its impact on infrastructure development and urbanism in the Republic of Moldova. It is gratifying to see new generations of students carrying forward the tradition of academic and professional excellence.”
Ioncu Eduard, a representative of S.R.L. Chișinău-Gaz, highlighted the importance of addressing architectural challenges within the context of gas infrastructure and metrology:
“In the past 15 years, we have faced issues directly related to architecture that are highly relevant to our field. I am confident that this conference will offer constructive and beneficial solutions for all participants.”
The event was deemed a success, providing a robust platform for dialogue and collaboration between academia and the professional sector. The Technical University of Moldova, through its Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, reaffirmed its leadership in education and research in the field, demonstrating that tradition and innovation go hand in hand in shaping a sustainable future for the Republic of Moldova.
