Outstanding Universal Value - Criteria
The Outstanding Universal Value of Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu is based on four of the six cultural criteria established by the World Heritage Convention. For the inscription of a site in the World Heritage List, it is sufficient to meet one single criterion. Along with demonstrating the Outstanding Universal Value, it is also required to demonstrate the Integrity and Authenticity of the site as well as the World Heritage Convention State Party’s capability to protect and manage it, in order to preserve its Universal Value.
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Executive Summary
View the file submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Criterion I
represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
Brâncuşi Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu is a creative masterpiece of modernism; and simultaneously a work illustrative of the creative genius of humanity. A quintessentially modernist aesthetic language is demonstrated in the ensemble’s form, materials and technical innovation, carefully located in a designed urban open space. The work represents the transformation of the tradition of the figurative memorial into an abstract modern monument. In so doing, it resolves the modernist ideals and belief in progress while commemorating an historic event.
As a whole, it elicits personal interpretations and meaning and offers a highly symbolic sequential commemorative experience that completes a work of great originality. It includes the Endless Column, a 30-metre-high modular sculpture of ascending bronze-coated cast iron rhomboids fixed to a steel spine. This revolutionary modern monument, where the form of the endless plinth has become the sculptural object, represents a triumph of art and engineering – a perfect architecturally aerodynamic conception and an optimum synthesis between form and subject. It is hailed as one of the great works of 20th century sculpture.
Criterion II
exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town planning or landscape design.
Brâncuşi Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu represents a turning point in the evolution of the 20th century history of modern monumental art and commemorative architecture. Further, it includes a pioneering and influential con- struction technology that is embodied in, and acknowl- edged by, some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Its artistic and architectural design reveals elemental influences of Cycladic, African and Romanian cultures together with spatial-compositional relationships that reference great European monumental works. In turn, the simple and human scale of The Gate of the Kiss revolutionised the design tradition of triumphal arches, whilst the soaring verticality and architecturally aerodynamic stability of the Endless Column has expressly inspired outstanding examples of modern art and architecture.
Criterion IV
be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
Brâncuşi Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu is an out- standing monumental sculptural ensemble and designed commemorative urban open space that illustrates the revolutionary age of modernism, a major design influence in the 20th century most often associated with architecture. The ensemble landscape is a powerful, very early and rare example of modernism applied to monumental sculpture, in particular to war memorials.
Criterion VI
be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Brâncuşi Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu is a monu- mental artistic work of outstanding universal significance that is associated with the widespread commemorations following World War I.
World War I was a near global event of major significance in world history, its massive human sacrifice leading to extensive commemorative activities. The ensemble landscape is an outstanding artistic response to this event, demonstrating exceptional creativity far beyond most commemorative memorials; worldwide, and for the entire 20th century. In addition, the ensemble landscape is a highly significant monumental artistic work as a creative masterpiece of modernism.
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