Entrepreneur Ioan Borodi, the initiator of the Heritage In Design event, believes that protecting cultural heritage and recognising traditional craftsmen should become national priorities.

Borodi told AGERPRES on Saturday that his team's initiatives over the past two years have focused on three main directions: preserving cultural heritage, accrediting craftsmen and connecting students with mentors in the heritage area.

'When we talk about heritage, we are not talking only about houses, but also about a family's name. Heritage means life,' he told AGERPRES.

According to Ioan Borodi, one of the biggest problems is the lack of clear legislation for artisans and traditional craftsmen. Although there are many skilled specialists, they are not officially recognised by state institutions, which prevents them from participating in projects financed through European funds or in public works.

'If we want to put wooden shingles on a house in Maramures and the trade is not accredited, it cannot be included in public procurement manuals,' he explained.


Borodi gave the example of the German model, where craftsmen hold diplomas and official certifications that provide recognition and professional responsibility.

At present, the organisation involved in the project has identified around 1,800 craftsmen nationwide. Teams visit them directly at their homes in order to document their activity, the materials they use, their working capacity and their availability for various restoration projects.

He also drew attention to the legal difficulties surrounding the use of traditional construction materials such as reed, clay and sheep's wool.

'We cannot legally use certain traditional materials because they are not accredited or do not meet current conditions. It is a shame not to use resources that we already have,' Ioan Borodi said, criticising the excessive use of modern materials such as cement, plasterboard and polystyrene, which he says affect housing quality and people's health.

Borodi believes that Romania has significant local resources - stone, wool and reed - which are ignored in favour of imported materials.

Oradea is hosting the second edition of the Heritage In Design event at Tarii Crisurilor Museum from 8 to 10 May.

The event includes an exhibition area dedicated to heritage and sustainability, demonstration workshops on traditional crafts, 30 conferences held by specialists from Romania and abroad, as well as practical workshops for participants. The event also features a competition for architecture and design students, with the 12 winning projects displayed to the public.


In addition to the three-day event, organisers from Ioan Borodi's team are carrying out other initiatives throughout the year, 'behind the scenes for now, but which will become visible,' he said, for identifying craftsmen across the country. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eugenia Pasca; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)