Chișinău, a city in transformation: An interview with Aurelia Carpov

The Republic of Moldova is going through a significant period of transformation, and architecture is increasingly becoming a reflection of broader economic, urban, and social change. From public projects and private investments to the quality of the built environment and the need for a long-term vision, today’s context raises essential questions about the direction in which cities and communities are evolving.

We spoke with architect Aurelia Carpov, SHARE Architects Ambassador in Moldova—an influential figure in the local architectural scene, actively involved in professional life and a keen observer of the country’s architectural and urban development—about the current state of architecture and today’s key challenges.

What are the most significant changes you have observed in architecture and urban development in the Republic of Moldova in recent years?

In Chișinău, we are seeing a clear acceleration of urban development processes, driven by both public and private interventions that signal the market’s gradual maturation. The redesign of Albișoara Street is a telling example of a paradigm shift in mobility, stormwater management, and pedestrian space. Residential and mixed-use developments in areas such as Ciocana, Poșta Veche, and Telecentru reflect a growing focus on functional integration and the quality of shared public spaces. At the same time, energy renovation programs for schools and kindergartens in the capital point to an increasingly professional approach to public investment.

Which project types are currently shaping the urban landscape—residential, mixed-use, public developments or adaptive reuse—and what do these trends reveal about the country’s priorities today?

Residential development remains the dominant category, reflecting the strong demand for housing in Chișinău. At the same time, an increasing number of mixed-use projects are emerging—such as new complexes in the Grenoble area or in the southern part of the city—combining housing with services, retail spaces, and community amenities.

These programs are part of a trend in directions toward more complex urban patterns.

In the public sphere, major trends include the recent transformation of educational facilities and improvement of small squares and community spaces, while the adaptive reuse of a number of formerly industrial buildings in Râșcani and Botanica is indicative of the early but isolated stage of urban revitalization.

A relevant example is architect Gicu Bulat (Arhstudio Cub)’s initiative to restore the Moara Roșie monument and convert it into a multifunctional creative center—an act that illustrates the true potential of heritage adaptive reuse in shaping a city’s development and vitality.

Are there any recent projects or urban initiatives that you consider defining for this stage of development? What makes them particularly relevant from an architectural and social perspective?

Yes, in recent years we have seen a number of interventions that point to a paradigm shift in urban development in the Republic of Moldova, particularly in Chișinău.

A relevant example is STARTICA Kindergarten, a private investment in early childhood education facilities. The project brings modern standards through well-organized interior spaces, child-friendly design, plenty of natural light, and a well-planned outdoor area. The rise of such private initiatives shows a diversifying market and a growing focus on educational architecture—an area that, until recently, has received limited attention.

From a public space perspective, the rehabilitation of several areas in Valea Trandafirilor Park, along with the modernization of small public squares in Buiucani and Râșcani, highlights the municipality’s growing focus on projects that directly improve urban quality of life. These interventions show a clearer commitment to landscape design, accessibility, and the creation of coherent, well-connected recreational spaces.

Mobility wise, the dedicated public transport lanes that have been established in major arteries like Dacia Boulevard are a step towards reorganization of urban traffic and improvement of efficient modes of transport. 

Another key example is the planning and development of 31 August 1989 Street. And its very engagement with community consultation, public consultation, interim presentations, a design competition, and real consultation between professionals and the local authority, suggests a more professional approach to urban planning. Although the project is still in development, the methodology applied sets a valuable model for future interventions along the city’s main streets.

Overall, these projects—from modern educational infrastructure and the regeneration of public spaces to urban mobility initiatives and participatory planning processes—reflect a moment in which the city is gradually adopting contemporary tools for urban planning and design. Even if still fragmented and uneven, these developments are shaping the direction of the next cycle of urban growth.

How would you describe today’s relationship between investment and architectural quality: are we seeing rising standards, or do significant gaps still remain between potential and execution?

In recent years, investment in architectural quality in Chișinău has been growing clearly in a positive direction. We are witnessing more and more projects where investment meets with a clear vision, a high technical quality, and attention to detail.

New residential developments increasingly include underground parking, well-designed green areas, energy-efficient solutions, and carefully planned shared spaces—signs that investors and developers are recognizing the long-term value of quality architecture.

Recently completed office buildings in the central area confirm the same trend, with strong technical performance, contemporary façades, and a growing focus on comfort and sustainability. These investments reflect a maturing market and an ambition to deliver products that are competitive at a regional level.

In the public sector, a similar direction is gradually taking shape. Although progress is slower, more institutions are beginning to adopt transparent procedures, request professional expertise, and place greater emphasis on durability and long-term performance. When public budgets are managed effectively, the results become visible and are appreciated by the community.

Overall, the trend is clearly upward: investors are becoming more responsive to design quality, architects are gaining a stronger role in decision-making processes, and the public is starting to recognize and value well-executed projects. This convergence of investment, expertise, and higher expectations represents an important step forward for architecture in the Republic of Moldova.

How does SHARE Architects contribute to raising and strengthening architectural culture?

SHARE plays an important role in connecting architects in Chișinău to international know-how, current standards, and relevant case studies that can be applied in the local context. Beyond being a platform for presentations, it actively supports professional dialogue, encourages collaboration across borders, and helps strengthen a culture of competitions and contemporary European design practices. By bringing local projects into an international spotlight, SHARE also contributes to greater visibility and fosters a more ambitious, better connected, and more quality-driven architectural environment.

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SHARE Chișinău 2026 builds on this momentum, reinforcing the dialogue on the city’s ongoing transformation and the growing need for long-term, quality-driven development—echoing the perspective shared in “Chișinău, a city in transformation: An interview with Aurelia Carpov”—so we invite you to discover the full program and join the event via the official event page.