Arhitecții Eracle Lăzărescu și Arghir Culina solicită în 1913 autorizație de construcție în Aleea Alexandru nr. 4 (Parcul Filipescu) pe proprietatea lui Constantin I. Nicolaescu. Acesta a fost avocat, judecător, membru al Partidului Național Liberal, pe care îl va reprezenta și în Camera Deputaților, apoi prefect al județului Dâmbovița. În perioada următoare ocupă funcția de secretar general în cadrul Ministerului de Interne.
Construcția avea amprenta la sol de 204mp. Aceasta reprezintă una dintre primele vile construite în Parcul Filipescu. La subsol se aflau bucătăria, cămara, pivnițele pentru cărbuni, lemne, spălătoria, depozite, camere pentru servitori. La parter, în partea stângă față de intrare, se afla o cameră de așteptare, ceea ce indica profesia liberală a proprietarului care și-a amenajat biroul aici. Spre spatele casei mai apar două spații de reprezentare, o sufragerie și un salon. La etaj au fost concepute patru dormitoare, o baie și o toaletă, precum și două terase. Terasa inițială de pe fațada principală a fost acoperită, apoi transformată într-un balcon-privdor închis, iar în zona acoperișului a fost creată o mansardă neconcordantă stilistic cu restul casei.
Volumul central a fost supraînălțat, iar motivele decorative de sub cornișă au fost și ele înlocuite, de asemenea, s-au pierdut elementele inițiale ale copertinei de lemn semicirculare și ale hornurilor. Gardul și elementele de feronerie ale terasei posterioare au fost înlocuite cu elemente de factură Art Nouveau, iar restaurarea recentă nu a ținut seama de specificul neoromânesc al proiectului inițial, nebazându-se pe planurile arhitecților Lăzărescu și Culina. (extrase din texte de Oana Marinescu)
Referințe:
- [Oana Marinache, Arghir Culina, arhitectură la răscrucea vremurilor, Vol. I 1908-1916, Editura Istoria Artei, București 2024] (volum tipărit)
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ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din Aleea Alexandru 4:
The building located at Aleea Alexandru 4 in Bucharest is an exquisite example of early 20th-century Neo-Romanian architecture, which blends elements of traditional Romanian design with influences from Western European styles. This architectural gem reflects the efforts of Romanian architects to create a national architectural identity that is both modern and rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage. The building’s design, construction, and decorative details showcase the mastery of its architect and the skilled artisans who brought the vision to life.
The façade of the building is characterized by its complex composition and the harmonious integration of various architectural elements. One of the most striking features is the steeply pitched roof covered with red tiles, which is a hallmark of traditional Romanian architecture. This roof design not only adds to the building’s aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose by efficiently shedding rainwater and snow. The roof is further adorned with intricate wooden carvings and large overhanging eaves supported by sculpted brackets, reflecting the craftsmanship typical of Romanian vernacular architecture.
The use of arches is prominent throughout the building's design, both in structural and decorative forms. The windows on the façade are tall and narrow, set within arched niches that create a rhythm along the building’s vertical plane. These arches are not purely decorative; they also serve to enhance the structural integrity of the walls and distribute weight more effectively. The windows themselves are framed with delicate stone moldings and are complemented by wrought iron grills that add a touch of elegance and security.
One of the central features of the building is the main entrance, which is framed by a grand arch and accessed via a set of stone steps. The entrance is covered by an ornate glass and iron canopy, which provides shelter from the elements while adding a layer of intricate detail to the façade. The wooden door is robust and richly decorated, featuring geometric patterns and metal accents that highlight the craftsmanship involved in its creation. Flanking the entrance are decorative sconces that further enhance the welcoming aspect of the building.
The façade is clad in stucco painted in a light, creamy color, which helps to highlight the architectural details and create a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment. The stucco is punctuated by various decorative elements, including cornices, friezes, and pilasters, all of which contribute to the building’s rich visual texture. The upper portions of the walls feature intricate bas-reliefs and floral motifs that draw inspiration from traditional Romanian art, adding a layer of cultural significance to the design.
The balconies on the upper floors are another notable feature of the building. These balconies are supported by elaborately carved stone brackets and enclosed with wrought iron railings that display a high level of artistry. The railings feature swirling patterns and floral designs that not only provide safety but also enhance the building’s decorative appeal. The balconies serve as transitional spaces between the interior and exterior, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining a connection to the architectural integrity of the building.
The building’s corner location is utilized to great effect, with the design taking advantage of the additional façade exposure to create a more dynamic and engaging architectural composition. The corners are softened with rounded edges and additional decorative elements, ensuring that the building is visually appealing from all angles. This thoughtful design approach not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its functionality by improving natural light and ventilation.
The interior of the building, while not visible in the photographs, is likely to reflect the same level of detail and craftsmanship as the exterior. Given the architectural trends of the time and the prominence of the Neo-Romanian style, the interior spaces would likely feature high ceilings, ornate moldings, and perhaps even frescoes or stained glass windows. The layout would be designed to maximize natural light and create a sense of spaciousness, with open floor plans and well-proportioned rooms.
The use of modern materials and construction techniques is another important aspect of the building’s design. While the architectural style draws heavily on historical and traditional elements, the building would have incorporated contemporary technologies to ensure durability, comfort, and safety. This blend of old and new is a key characteristic of the Neo-Romanian style, reflecting a desire to honor the past while embracing the future.
In summary, the building at Aleea Alexandru 4 is a masterful example of Neo-Romanian architecture, combining traditional design elements with modern construction techniques. The façade features a complex composition of arches, decorative moldings, and intricate carvings, all of which contribute to the building’s rich visual texture and cultural significance. The use of high-quality materials and attention to detail is evident throughout, from the steeply pitched roof and overhanging eaves to the ornate balconies and grand entrance. This building not only reflects the architectural trends of its time but also stands as a testament to the skill and creativity of its architect and the artisans who brought it to life. As a piece of Bucharest’s architectural heritage, it continues to contribute to the city’s historical and cultural landscape.
