Rev. Roum. Géogr./Rom. Journ. Geogr., 67, (1), p. 79–93, 2023, Bucureşti. DOI: 10.59277/RRG.2023.1.07 SHAPING URBAN SPACE IN ROMANIA. CASE STUDY: THE BISTRIȚA-BECLEAN URBAN AXIS ALEXANDRU-MARIUS TĂTAR 1 Key-words: spatial shaping, urban axis, urban space, urban sustainability, Spatial Planning System, Bistri ța- Beclean axis, Romania. Abstract. This paper analyses the development of the urban axis by shaping urban space. Through this process, the aim is to transform the city to promote urban sustainability transitions. When comparing the socio- economic systems of the Bistrița-Beclean Urban Axis, information was obtained regarding the key contextual factors influencing the capacity for urban transformation; in particular, the previous local historical trajectories of each socio-economic system, the role of local social movements and local governments as articulators of the different components of the framework. In addition, the way different concepts of sustainability coexist, and the interaction between different socio-economic systems at the urban level emerge as critical issues. The Urban Axis Spatial Planning System research elements of green infrastructure and urban design. Urban design theory is primarily concerned with the shaping and management of public space (i.e., ‘public environment’, ‘public domain’ or ‘public realm’) and how public places are used and experienced. Public space includes all spaces used freely, on a daily basis, by the general public, such as streets, squares, parks, and public infrastructure. Some aspects of private spaces, such as building facades or domestic gardens, also contribute to public space and are therefore also taken into account by urban design theory. Urban design is about making connections between people and places, movement and urban form, nature, and the built fabric. Urban design brings together the many aspects of recreational areas, environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability in the creation of places with distinct beauty and identity. Urban shaping draws these and other aspects together, creating a vision for an area and then implementing the resources and skills needed to bring that vision to life. By shaping the urban space in the Local Axis, a system is being built that leads to a balance between density and compactness on the one hand, and quality of life in a healthy urban environment on the other hand. 1. INTRODUCTION Urban design is the process of designing and shaping the physical features of cities, towns, and villages and planning for the provision of municipal services for residents and visitors. Urban settlements face a range of environmental, economic, and social problems. Affecting their structure and functionality (Niță, 2011). International organisations frequently promote policies and strategies (Habitat I and II, Agenda 21, the European Charter of Cities, the Millennium Declaration, Metrex, etc.) to achieve the sustainable development of cities (Schäffler et al., 2013). Sustainable urban planning aims to address these issues in a way that is integrated but takes into account local specificities (Norton et al., 2015), consolidates the vision of decision-makers (Vandermeulen et al., 2011), and considers stakeholders’ arguments (Faehnle et al., 2014) while aiming to select the best development solution (Govindarajulu, 2014). Integrating all these aspects requires strategic, interdisciplinary, and participatory urban planning that makes increasing use of green infrastructure in the decision-making process (DG Environment, 2012) as a useful tool in achieving sustainability targets for settlements (Church, 2015).  PhD student, Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of Geography, Doctoral School of Geography, 5–7 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania, alexandrumarius232@gmail.com. 1 Corresponding author