- Strada Banului Nr. 1A colț cu Calea Victoriei nr. 103-105 / Propr. Munteanu (1879) / Bloc modernist și bloc comunist / 1950 naționalizare 1A apartamente pe numele Sofia Georgescu
- Strada Banului Nr. 1 colț cu Calea Victoriei: Propr. Burchi (1879) / Propr. N. Demetru; 1887 arh. Julius Hraby / Moștenitorii N. Demetriu (1911) / Corpul din curte există și astăzi între blocuri. Aici este un bloc comunist.
Din informațiile de mai sus (Oana Marinache - ARHITUR, Strada Manea Brutaru - Gen. C-tin Budișteanu, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2022) nu am reușit să identificăm fără dubii clădirile menționate. Am presupus că cea desemnată „Nr. 1 colț cu Calea Victoriei” e, de fapt, clădirea veche și deteriorată de la stradă, P+2E. (aceasta). Pe clădire se vede clar „1A” în fotografiile recente. Vom face modificările necesare dacă vor primi informații suplimentare.
De asemenea, există o ambiguitate legată și de „blocul modernist” menționat de Oana Marinache, nefiind clar dacă acesta este o entitate distinctă sau dacă este legat de vreuna dintre entitățile Banului 1 / 1A. Este vorba despre cele două blocuri (sau o singură clădire cu două corpuri) „blocus captivus” de la intersecția Strada Banului 1/1A cu Calea Victoriei 103-105, înconjurate complet de alte clădiri, la care se poate ajunge doar trecând printr-un gang al aripii de pe strada Banului a marelui bloc comunist (construit în 1959, acum cu risc seismic II) – vedeți imaginea extrasă de pe Google Maps. Ei se identifică ci „Calea Victoriei 103”, după cum se vede în fișa cu plățile curente ale imobilului.
Referințe:
- Oana Marinache - ARHITUR, Strada Manea Brutaru - Gen. C-tin Budișteanu, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2022
- Oana Marinache, Arhitur – Strada Brezoianu și zona Grădinii Cișmigiului, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2024
- Incursiune în mahalaua bucureșteană Manea Brutaru (Popa Radu)
- Reşedinţa Athanasovici: eleganţa de altă dată (mențiune arh. Julius Hraby)
- 1882, strada Numa Pompiliu, nr. 14, suburbia Manea Brutaru, arh. Julius Hraby, Klemert Kunst
August 2023:
ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Banului 1A:
The building located at Banului 1A presents a fascinating example of early 20th-century urban architecture in Bucharest, embodying elements of the Modernist movement with distinct Art Deco influences. This architectural style is characterized by its emphasis on geometric shapes, clean lines, and a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The building's current state of decay adds a layer of historical texture, providing insight into the urban development and socio-economic shifts that have taken place over the past century.
The facade of Banului 1A is marked by a series of horizontal lines that create a sense of movement and dynamism. This is particularly evident in the curved balconies that protrude from the building’s front, which are a signature feature of the Art Deco style. These balconies not only serve a functional purpose, providing outdoor space for residents, but also contribute to the building’s visual rhythm. The metal railings of the balconies, though now rusting and worn, would have originally featured sleek, geometric patterns typical of Art Deco design.
One of the most striking features of this building is the use of rounded corners and circular windows, which are emblematic of the Streamline Moderne subset of the Art Deco style. This approach aimed to evoke the aerodynamic aesthetics of contemporary automobiles, ships, and airplanes, reflecting an era enamored with speed and modernity. The round windows, in particular, provide a distinctive visual break from the otherwise linear forms and create focal points on the facade.
The exterior walls of the building are coated in a stucco finish, which was a popular choice for many Art Deco buildings. This finish, while now peeling and weathered, would have originally offered a smooth, polished surface that caught the light in interesting ways, highlighting the building’s geometric contours. The color palette, though faded, suggests that the building once featured muted tones common in Art Deco architecture, which often included shades of beige, ochre, and light pastels.
The influence of Modernist principles is also evident in the building's functional design. The layout appears to prioritize practical living spaces with an efficient use of materials and construction techniques. The large windows, despite their current state, were designed to maximize natural light, a hallmark of Modernist architecture that sought to improve the living conditions of urban dwellers through better ventilation and illumination.
A closer look at the entrance reveals additional Art Deco elements. The door, set within a recessed archway, likely features geometric ornamentation that aligns with the overall design ethos of the building. The use of symmetrical forms and vertical lines around the entrance enhances its prominence and draws the eye inward, inviting residents and visitors into the space.
Despite its evident state of neglect, the building’s structural integrity appears largely intact. The reinforced concrete frame, typical of the Modernist era, provides durability and flexibility, allowing for the unique architectural features that define the facade. The presence of air conditioning units and other modern interventions speaks to the building’s adaptation over time to meet contemporary needs, although these additions often clash aesthetically with the original design.
Graffiti and peeling paint add a layer of urban grit to the building, telling a story of changing neighborhoods and evolving social dynamics. These marks of urban life, while often seen as detractors, can also be viewed as part of the building’s living history, showcasing the interactions between the built environment and its inhabitants.
The juxtaposition of Banului 1A with its neighboring structures further highlights its unique architectural features. To the left, a more modern apartment block contrasts sharply with the historical elegance of the Art Deco building. This contrast underscores the architectural diversity of Bucharest, where different eras and styles coexist, creating a rich urban tapestry.
In conclusion, the building at Banului 1A is a valuable piece of Bucharest’s architectural heritage, embodying the principles of Art Deco and Modernist design. Its geometric forms, functional design, and historical patina provide a window into the city’s past, reflecting the aspirations and aesthetic sensibilities of an earlier era. Despite its current state of decay, the building remains a testament to the enduring appeal of Art Deco architecture, with its emphasis on beauty, efficiency, and modernity. As urban renewal projects continue to shape the cityscape, preserving and revitalizing such structures can offer a tangible connection to Bucharest’s architectural and cultural history, enriching the urban experience for future generations.
