Introduction

The research begins by establishing a comprehensive narrative based on historical records, ethnographic studies, and personal testimonies, emphasizing the socio-cultural impacts of the dam’s construction. This narrative informs the design of an elevated path on the island, which serves as both a functional infrastructure and a metaphorical bridge connecting divided spaces and histories. Along this path, various spaces are crafted to act as memory banks, utilizing sensory stimuli to trigger and create memories. By blending historical elements with speculative design, an integral experience is aimed, an experience that not only hopes to honor the past but also imagines new possibilities for the future. Most importantly, AI tools are employed to enhance visualization and iterative refinement of design concepts, ensuring they resonate with the historical context while addressing contemporary issues such as community displacement and environmental degradation.

River of Dreams

The mighty Danube, a river winding through ten countries for 2,850 kilometers, holds stories whispered in its depths. Millions of years old, it has seen the Earth shape and shift, witnessed species come and go, and cradled the rise and fall of civilizations along its banks. Countless battles, myths, and legends have sprung from its waters, and among these, one tale was waiting to be discovered. It is not a grand story of empires or epic conquests but a single story that reflects the grand tapestry woven by the conflict of borders, nature, and humanity.

Turning Point

The change was on the horizon, carried by the ambitions of a grand endeavor. The Iron Gate Dam, a colossal marvel of engineering, rose from the depths of imagination into the realm of reality. As the dam grew, so too did the waves of change it brought. The waters began to rise, inching ever closer to the shores of Ada Kaleh. This towering barrier, stretching its arms across the river, was destined to harness the immense power of the Danube, transforming it into a source of light and energy for many. However for others, it meant nothing but a loss of home, a home where they can never return.

A Third Island

Golu Island stands as a quiet sentinel in the waters of the Iron Gates, a poignant remnant of the past spared from submersion by the tides of history and progress. Originally slated to be drowned by the rising waters from the hydroelectric plant, Golu Island was preserved for its archaeological significance The stories etched in the soil of Golu Island remain part of our collective memory, a testament to the enduring human spirit and our connection to the past. Golu Island stands as a symbol of resilience and continuity, a reminder that even in the face of change, the echoes of history can guide us toward a brighter, more interconnected future.