Sfistofca: Scenarios For The Reviving Of A Dying Village

Sfistofca: Scenarios For The Reviving Of A Dying Village Architect Marius Voica, Lecturer, UAIUIM, Bucharest, e-mail: mvoika@yahoo.com Stud. Arch. Iulia Nita, Stud. Arch. Andrei Tsintsari, Stud. Arch. Mihail Banciu

source: Marius Voica

Summary  The Context  SWOT Analysis, Sfistofca  Scenarios for Possible Interventions  Conclusions

 The Context There is a traditional Lipovan fishermen village located in Romania, in Tulcea County, near the border with Ukraine, within the protected areal of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation: Sfistofca. The vilage gives you the feeling to be somewhere at the end of the world, or at its beginning and only the locals could know that.

Long time ago in Sfistofca there were more than 200 houses inhabited by more than 1000 people. Massive area depopulation resulted due to its remote location, poorly developed infrastructure, and lack of perspective for education and working opportunities. Today around 60 houses are still standing of wich only 20 – 25 of them being still inhabited by around 40 people, all elderly. The vacant houses are desolated, showing different decay levels.

The use of classical building methods for the rural Dobrogea area based mainly on local construction materials hallmarked the general architecture appearance. Due to the use of local natural materials as wood, reed, clay, gluey and sand, the abandoned houses left at the mercy of ther elements were reintegrated into the landscape leaving only faint traces of them being there in the first place. It seems like each built house became in time an extension of nature, the houses being absorbed by the wilderness.

Village life became more complicated due to each person dying or leaving the village, Sfistofca being endangered to become completely de-populated within the next ten years. During 2009 2015 several action were undertaken for preventing this downturn, but they had a more experimental character aiming to prove that the village rebirth is possible.

View from the main street towards village church

source: Marius Voica

 SWOT Analysis, Sfistofca- Development Perspectives STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES



The reality of an economic development potential



Poor area accessibility





Lack of sewerage network

The existence of a tourism potential justified by the nature capital, attractive at European and global level



Lack of drinking water network



Public buildings requiring capital repairs



Law local budget



Scarce local actors involvement abilities concerning tourism development and adjacent activities



The Letea Forest located in the vicinity



The accessibility through the Sfistofca channel



The presence of a rich culture background



The presence of a religious background





The preponderance of informal tourism

A peaceful and insulated atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and leisure





Limited season lasting – maximum five months

Low land cost OPPORTUNITIES



THREATNESSES

Territory included by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation



The economic status degradation





The social status degradation

Real development allowed by the law actual development level



The area de-population



Tourism potential valuing



The image of a remote community



Human potential valuing



Lack of a development strategy



The existence of Governmental and EU financing programs



Inconspicuous tourism policies developed at national, regional and local level



Corruption and inefficient law application

Danube Delta aerial view

Source: http://www.wwf.ro/?199674/Un-nou-proiect-pregtete-Delta-Dunrii--pentru-adaptarea-la-efectele-schimbrilor-climatice

Accessibility and interest points scheme

 Possible Scenarios Scenario 1 : Sfistofca Village – A Spiritual Approach Lipovan Russian people are dedicated to their religious beliefs. They settled down in Dobrogea after leaving Russia because of the religious persecutions. They always fought for their religion - Christian Orthodox of Old Rite – the idea of defending their beliefs becoming an identity mark. So, the religion represents their „lineage birth”. This is why for these people it is very important to maintain the spiritual identity, possible only by the revival of Lipovan community of old rite, a community now endangered by the people who are leaving day by day.

North Dobrogea is a strong spiritual area, where worship buildings, churches and monasteries are very present, Sfistofca Village having a high potential to become a religious mark on the map. The reviving project of Sfistofca Village consists of the improvement of the architecture and environmental image and of the life and social conditions, preserving and promoting the traditions, including the spiritual, religious ones.

Old Photo presenting religious aspect of the Old Orthodox rite Source: http://www.breiling.org/lect/euamende/b2/140928a/pictures%20from%20lipovans%20in%20sfistofca%2003.html

This project implementation may be done by transforming the village into a pilgrimage center addressed to the old rite Christians, and for sure not only them but also to other religious rite believers. The goal consists in transforming the village into a spiritual oasis, known for serenity, in communion with nature and God and old traditions, an oasis of understanding between people and beliefs.

Church neighborhood view

source: Marius Voica

The visitors will assume the responsibility by helping the villagers with different practical activities specific for their day by day lives and also for the village revival. Various turistic activities can be organised: village and surroundings walks, where travelers can see beautiful landscapes, can enjoy boating, fishing and practical workshops which will pass on traditions and customs.

These activities will be developed throughout the year, on periods of one week – ten days for each pilgrims group. During the week, a stable schedule shall be established according to which the trainees will attend the religious services and group conversations, practical activities, promenades, displaying of cultural and artistic programs, etc. Each trainee shall choose the workshops as he/she pleases, from a list previously presented, developed according to the traditional religious celebration days.

Local people shall be involved in these activities, together with local Lipovan Association, the public administration, monks and priests, and also people involved in the management and the promoting side of the project. Taking into consideration that the aim of the project is the revitalization of the village and its habits, and improving the depopulation problem, local people

will be involved in this project, to give them new hope in keeping their home. They will play the part of host, trainers for the craft workshops, and guides for the surrounding areas walks. Local public administration involvement is important for supporting the project, promoting it for fund raising and sponsoring.

Concerning the accommodation, the project intends to restore, in a first stage, the actual houses, conserving the local shape and style and using local materials. Simultaneously it is requested that the mobility is increased, facilitating access to the village, and also the update of the living conditions to suite modern criteria. The restored houses will become accommodation units for pilgrims, traditional crafting workshops or will be used for other specific activities like promoting religion and local traditions among the pilgrims. The development of a monastery assembly near the village church including cells and refectories represents a possible scenario for priest’s accommodation and dining and also for pilgrims. Food shall be prepared in the church kitchen by villagers with the help of the participants. The village Culture House shall be given a main role in developing the weekly schedule hosting the participants meetings, presentations, conferences and shows.

Culture House view / Lipovan community house

source: Marius Voica

During another stage, considering the growing popularity of the area, it will be possible to extend the village by constructing new buildings, using traditional materials and combining traditional and modern construction methods.

The improvement of the infrastructure is required in terms of sanitation, water and electricity supply to provide optimum conditions for living in a traditional village.

The village could be brought back to life becoming a real museum under the open sky, a keeper of the spirituality of the place and its people, able to attract not only the orthodox believers of an old rite or not, but also romanian and foreigner tourists interested in the beauty of the place.

Just like in the early days of Sfistofca, when the village was established based on the Old Rite Orthodox beliefs, this topic can become the driving engine that rejuvenates it and will show the world who they really are.

EXPECTED COSTS Item

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2

Type of intervention

Culture House Rehabilitation Old Houses Rehabilitation Old Houses Enlargement Cell Building Old Houses Rehabilitation Old Houses Enlargement Refectories construction Building a stage under the blue sky Old Houses Rehabilitation Old Houses Enlargement Construction of new houses Construction of new houses Church rehabilitation

Units

Unit Area (m2)

Cost / m2 (Euro)

Typology Total Cost (Euro)

1

300

150

45000

10

40

150

60000

10

15

400

60000

10 10

20 40

200 150

10

15

400

2

40

200

16000 TOTAL PHASE II = 176000€ 4500

30

150

20

40

150

120000

20

15

400

120000

10

40

400

160000

80

1

-

2 years

TOTAL PHASE I = 165000€ 40000 60000 4 years 60000

1

10

Period

7 years

TOTAL PHASE III =404500€ 400 320000 10 years 120000 TOTAL PHASE IV = 440000€ TOTAL INVESTMENT= 1.185.500€

Development stages – scenario 1 (Village of solitude)

Scenario 2: Sfistofca – Village Of Artists The second intervention scenario involving a lower development is to create a community of artists supported by „Sfistofca Art Association”, „The Lipovan Association”, mayoralty staff, local population and land owners. Those could be attracted mainly by the unicity and the remoteness of the area that could be a real catalyst of inspiration and creativity.

Sfistofca landscape unicity

source: Marius Voica

The diversity of the creational programs may issue an alternation and intermission of events specific to some particular artists’ typology. Possible programs could be: painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, astrophotography, craftsmanship, gastronomy, fashion design, botany, bio-diversity, music, dance, poetry. The development of these occupations may be periodical or according to the tourism season, or can be done also during the whole year, according to the activity typology, number of participants and allocated resources.

Architecture and glasswork workshops source: Marius Voica source: http://www.breiling.org/lect/euamende/b2/140928a/kids%20learn%20to%20engrave%20glass%20in%20sfistofca%2005.html

According to the investment volume, there are 3 possible scenarios of interventions that can ensure proper functioning of the proposed activities.

The first type of intervention requests the smallest investment and would be consisting of diversification of creativity activities by introducing some workshops and cultural events (music, film, theatre, and lecture) and entertainment (sport, leisure, fishing, and hiking) programs. In order to accomplish this development, an additional dedicated area beyond the culture house is requested. Tents and temporary constructions may be installed, with functions of accommodation, commerce and sanitary facilities.

Possible accommodation solution (small houses - left, camping area - right) source: http://amfostacolo.ro/FOTO/GENUINE/d007/7007/8430_23546_5.jpg source: http://www.rotasensin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/%C3%A7ad%C4%B1r-rotasensin.jpg

The second intervention type consists of creating workshops and activities which can be mentained for a longer period of time, involving a larger number of people. In order to bring together all these terms, the rehabilitation and enlargement of the existing buildings is necesary.

The local community can take part of this process by delivering the requested resources. In this case, the culture house can be transformed in museum of art and handcrafts created during proposed activities.

Traditional Style houses source: Marius Voica source: http://www.breiling.org/lect/euamende/b2/140928a/muellkuebel%20in%20sfistofca%2000.html

The last intervention type would request investments larger than previous ones. In this case, it is necessary to organize a community comprised of a large number of artists, with a very diverse structure. In the village, the artists can find accommodation for an unlimited period of time. The requested number of housing units can be considerably increased, by the construction of new buildings in a traditional design (ecological materials, low overall dimensions, specific planimetry, climatic adaptation). The new buildings will transform the rural image improving the neglected and depopulated segments and integrating new architecture into the natural environment.

EXPECTED COSTS Item

Intervention Type

Units

1

Culture House Rehabilitation

1

300

150

Typology Total Cost (Euro) 45,000

2

Tents Mounting

10-20

4-8

0

0

3

Construction of camping houses made of wood and read, 2 persons Sanitary functions associated to the camping facility

10

10

400

40,000

2

20

500

20,000

10

40

TOTAL PHASE I A I= 105,000€ 150 60,000

10

10

400

10

40

TOTAL PHASE IIA II=100,000€ 150 60,000

10

10

400

40,000

5

60

400

120,000

Unit Surface (m2)

Cost / m2 (Euro)

Period

1-3 years

4

1 2

1 2 3

Old Houses Rehabilitation Old Houses Enlargement Old Houses Rehabilitation Old Houses Enlargement New Houses Construc-tion

40,000

3-5 years

5-8 years

TOTAL PHASE III III= 220,000€ TOTAL INVESTMENT ITIE=425,000€

Development stages – scenario 2 (Village of artists)

Scenario III: Village Of Lipovan Heritage and Health Tourism

Sfistofca presents an opportunity due to it’s origin, being a traditional Lipovan fisherman village. As a consequence, another scenario is transforming the site into a Heritage and health tourism hotspot, by restoring its traditionaly built houses with regard for the local materials and techiques. The final goal is the recognition of Sfistofca as an UNESCO World Heritage site thus becoming a key turist location in the Danube Delta. An effect of this intervention will be the repopulation of the now desolate village and reinstating long forgotten activities.

The first step is to conserve the existing structures to stop them degrading further followed by the second step which will be comprised of restoring end enlarging them in order to set a standard for any subsequent development. The third step is represented by the construction of new buildings, utilizing only local materials put into work by interlacing traditional and modern methods as to ensure the necessary comfort levels while maintaining the Lipovan appearance. The design must take into account the future use of the houses as they are regarded as units, serving only one function and maintaining their small dimensions. Ultimately they can be rented as boarding or hosting houses, can become restaurants, coffee/tea shops, info-points, showrooms for different local craftsmanship or nature treatment centers based on plants, hot/cold or salt water.

Traditionally called "banja", Lipovan people have within each dwelling a construction similar to a rusian sauna. Another option for accommodation is the establishment of a camping for 20 tents (with the possibility of enlargement) benefitting of all modern facilities (sanitary facilities and electric power supply). Some of the activities that will attract tourists are: sportive fishing, hiking, observing the plants and animals of the reservation, culture workshops, church visits, horsemanship and tourism farm.

Reinterpretated traditional style houses source: http://www.iglooarchitecture.ro/87/ source: http://www.iglooarchitecture.ro/91/

Concerning the annual activity period we may refer at four stages, synchronized with the annual seasons as Romania enjoys different climatic conditions for each of them resulting in different possible activities. Taking this in consideration the maximum number of tourists shall be met in summer, the area being attractive also in the other seasons due to its remote location and the richness of the environment.

As a temporal dimension the rehabilitation and construction of the new buildings has to be made gradually in order to be financially viable, but it has to be large enough to asert the new turistic function. For the first stage (1-3 years) we suggest the rehabilitation of 40 of the actual buildings including all the already inhabited houses, 15 accommodation units and three units developed for tourism activities (restaurant/coffee shop, craftsmanship workshop and tourism center/info point).

The subsequent development (rehabilitation of the remaining structures and building of some new ones) takes into consideration the success of the village and consists in proportional supplementation of accommodation units and public buildings. Consequently the units number will increase to 80 for 3-6 years, 150 for 6-10 years and 200 for 10-15 years.

As an important conditionality, the infrastructure improvement has four main issues: sewerage network, water supplying network, electric power available 24 hours/day and the public transportation system.

The lack of sewerage can be solved by establishing a water sewage system connected to a biological filter or wastewater treatment unit located outside the development area concerned for 50 years. Water supplying can be done by depth drilling or filtering the water coming from the adjacent channel. As the channel water level and quality can be extremely variable, the most reliable solution is drilling. The existing electric power network is obsolete and there are frequent shortages. A first step consists in its modernization, followed by the development of a thermal solar plant or photovoltaic system, as the area benefits of many sunny days yearly. The implementation of these ecological technologies can offer the requested electric power for the community simultaneously being an income source by redirecting the additional power toward the national electric grid.

Communication/electrical system in Sfistofca

source: Marius Voica

The transportation inward the village and outside it has to be non-pollutant for the environment. As a consequence electric propulsion means must be promoted and imposed meanwhile combustion engines must be taken out of use. The power needed to run the new vehicles can be obtained on site and would be free of charge for the locals thus encouraging the transition. The seat capacity of each vehicle must be limited (between 5 and 10 seats) in order to timit the tires impact on the roads which are comprised completely out of grass, earth and sand.

The lack of asphalt must be maintained preserving the spirit and wilderness of the area. Within this context, horse riding and horse drawn carts are a viable option being already present in the area and a fun transport mean for many turists. Another method is water navigation as the area is the beneficiary of a channel system facilitating the approach of different reservation areas and also the connection with nearby towns (Sulina etc.) for access and supplying.

Transportation means in Sfistofca source: http://www.ubergizmo.com/2010/07/aequus-7-0-solar-electric-boat/ source: Marius Voica

Sfistofca’s remote location created a profound connection between the locals and the environment. They are deeply dependent on the local resources coming from agriculture, livestock and fishing. As a result, the basis for a permaculture type community has been established. Further development of this aspect and the correct implementation of the technologies mentioned above can turn Sfistofca into a veritable EcoVillage.

In order to make this plan a reality the involvement of all entities influencing the area is mandatory. Possible partners are: The Lipovan Association, local Mayoralty, District Council, Russian Embassy, ICR (romanian cultural insitute), ARBDD, INCDD, actual village inhabitants and also the abandoned lands owners. State entities benefit by tourism development within this remote area of the country attracting a large number of people to the Danube Delta Reservation.

EXPECTED COSTS

Item

Intervention Type

Units

1

Culture House Rehabilitation Old Houses Rehabilitation

1

2

Unit Area (m2) 300

Cost / m2 (Euro) 150

Type Total Cost (Euro) 45,000

1-3 years 40

40

150

240,000

Old Houses Enlargement Transport*

20

10

400

80,000

10

-

-

1

New Houses Buildings

40

60

400

2

Transport*

10

-

-

3 4

Period

100,000 TOTAL PHASE I= 365,000€ 960,000 3-6 years 100,000 TOTAL PHASE II= 960,000€

1

New Houses Buildings Transport*

50

60

400

10

-

-

1

New Houses Buildings

70

60

400

2

Transport*

15

-

-

2

Electric Power Infrastructure Drinking Water Infrastructure Waste Water Sewerage Infrastructure Transport includes: ATV, Scooter, Vehicle for 5-10 passengers, Boat

1,200,000

6-10 years

150,000 TOTAL PHASE III= 1,200,000€ 1,680,000 10-15 years 100,000 TOTAL PHASE IV=1,680,000€ 400,000 1 year 300,000 1 year 200,000 1 year TOTAL INVSTMENT= 5,455,000€

Development stages – scenario 3 (Lipovan Heritage and Health tourism)

 Conclusions Until now sporadic actions have been organized, having a more experimental feature.

Scenarios similar to the previously mentioned may be developed within projects, considering the proposed issues implementation, separately or together. Undoubtedly the main goal would be the saving of a disappearing community and their traditions.

Certainly there are other possible scenarios to put into work, like reinventing of a refugee community, driven off their lands by extended wars. This is a scenario based on the present world events where urgent solutions for their relocation are needed. These people could build a settlement adapted to the actual village field, supported by European Union funds. Let's not forget that even the actual village development resulted 200 years ago from the action of immigrants due to the religious persecutions within the provenience areas.

Sfistofca Village revitalization would represent for the local inhabitants simultaneously an incentive for the preservation of built environment still standing and an income source as result of planned activities (religious, culture, tourism activities, etc.), and of the rehabilitation of the abandoned houses, which could be rented or leased for 10/20 years. As a result of the Sisftofca Village development the surrounding towns could benefit both by offering services and by valuing their own objectives.

It is unconcievable that a village with such a great culture and spiritual value, located in a place with a huge tourism potential is left to vanish. It has to be revived, recognized for its traditions, beauty and the wild place in the middle of which people have built it.

References: 1. Orieta Hulea, 2011, http://www.wwf.ro/?199674/Un-nou-proiect-pregtete-Delta-Dunrii--pentru-adaptarea-la-efectele-schimbrilor-climatice

2. Meinhard Breiling, 2000/2003/2005, http://www.breiling.org/lect/euamende/b2/140928a/pictures%20from%20lipovans%20in%20sfistofca%2003.html

3. Rotasein.com 2015, http://www.rotasensin.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/%C3%A7ad%C4%B1r-rotasensin.jpg

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Bruno Andresoiu/Andrei Creanga, 2008, Igloo, http://www.iglooarchitecture.ro/87/ Bruno Andresoiu/Dana Tigan, 2008, Igloo, http://www.iglooarchitecture.ro/91/ Aequus, 2010, http://www.ubergizmo.com/2010/07/aequus-7-0-solar-electric-boat/ Marius Voica, 2013/2014 The World Bank, 2014, Danube Delta Integrated Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 Marius Voica/Elena Cristina Mandrescu/Ioana Catalina Varzaru/Meinhard Breiling, 2015, End of E.U. :Sfistofca steps for saving a traditional community 10. Marius Voica/Vasile Meita/Catalina Ioana Varzaru, 2014, Spatii simbolice din lemn si stuf 11. Alexandrina Retegan/Bogdan Rapeanu/Catrinel Rapeanu/Anda Balasa, 2014, PUG C.A. Rosetti