The Saxon villages of Transylvania are a unique European treasure. Tucked away between wooded hills and flower-rich meadows lie spectacular fortified churches surrounded by colourful houses with lime washed facades, tiled roofs and cobbled courtyards that have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. Sadly, this unspoilt landscape in central Romania - shaped by tightly-knit communities and centuries-old farming traditions - is in danger of being lost forever because of rapid depopulation, poverty and inappropriate development.
That is why The Romanian Cultural Institute in London has joined forces with The Mihai Eminescu Trust, a British charity founded in 1987 by Jessica Douglas-Home, to present The Architecture of Happiness - a fusion event of lectures, film, dance and photography, aimed at raising awareness about the beauty and plight of the Saxon villages.
Programme:
- Photographic exhibition of restored historic buildings in the Saxon villages of Transylvania
- Welcome address: Gabriela Massaci (Director, Romanian Cultural Institute London) and Virgil Nitulescu (Secretary General, Romanian Ministry of Culture)
- Presentation of the MET's Whole Village Project (supported by the Culture 2000 programme of the European Union) and launch of the "Gabriel Lambescu" international architectural award - introduced by Caroline Fernolend
- Architects for Aid: A Transylvanian mission in words and pictures, February 2007
- Screening of the Brick and Tile Kiln documentary, by Colin Richards
- Live performance of traditional Saxon dances
- Reception
When: Tuesday 8 May, 5 - 8 pm Where: Romanian Cultural Institute, 1 Belgrave Square, London SW1X8PH
Addmission is free but places are limited. For reservations, please call 0207 752 0134 or email office@icr-london.co.uk by the 4th of May.
