IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

Bucharest faces high seismic risk due to its active tectonic location, structurally vulnerable buildings, and fragmented risk governance. These vulnerabilities result from historical urban development patterns, technical degradation, and institutional shortcomings in prioritizing resilience. This study investigates Bucharest’s residential building stock, emphasizing how seismic risk is exacerbated by neglect, uneven investment in safety, and inconsistent policy enforcement. Grounded in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) theories, the research evaluates the Romanian state’s approach to preparedness, risk mitigation, and post-earthquake response. Special attention is given to state interventions — or their absence — and their impact on residents’ daily lives. Using ethnographic methods, including semi-structured interviews and photographic documentation conducted within respondents’ homes, along with expert and official perspectives, the study provides insight into how seismic vulnerability is constructed, managed, and experienced. Additionally, the paper incorporates a cultural perspective, emphasizing how residents perceive and cope with seismic threats. Many consciously or unconsciously ignore seismic risks due to strong trust in their buildings, influenced by historical, social, and symbolic factors. Despite legal frameworks and consolidation programs, implementation is frequently hindered by underfunding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and limited community engagement. A key gap identified is the absence of clear strategies for temporary relocation, risk communication, and long-term recovery. Integrating ethnographic fieldwork with urban and cultural analysis, this research contributes to debates on vulnerability, housing precarity, and governance in Bucharest. It advocates for inclusive, participatory governance frameworks, aligning structural safety with social equity and cultural understanding to enhance urban resilience.