# Bloc Ana Ecaterina și Victor Șerbănescu

Adresă: Str. Benjamin Franklin nr. 5, Sector 1, Cartierul Piața Victoriei - Romană, București
An construcție: 1936
Tip ansamblu: Blocuri
Tip clădire: 2-5 niveluri
Stil arhitectural: Art Deco
Risc seismic: U2
Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic

## Articol
Strada Franklin Nr. 5 colț cu str. N. Golescu: Fosta proprietate Cesianu (1890-1891), Al. Popescu la 1911 / 1924 la adresă apar av. Jean Vlădoianu, av. Constantin Don (Vezi istoric str. Poșta veche) / Imobil Ana Ecaterina, soț Victor Șerbănescu / 1932-1935 transformarea unei vechi case în imobil, arh. Dinu Antonescu / 1938 Apare și Consumul Franklin (probabil la parter) / 1950 naționalizare Șerbănescu Victor Ecaterina, 31 apartamente, str. Franklin 5, 16, str. Biserica Enei 2.

Nicolae Golescu Nr. 10 colț cu str. Franklin 5: Propr. Cesianu (1908) / Propr. Cesianu - Popescu (1911) / 1913 învelește cu tablă de fier plumbuit / 1931 este scos la vânzare pentru despăgubirea statului datorii fiscale ale proprietarului Ion Crețescu (ante 1932) / Ana Ecaterina, soț Victor Șerbănescu, consilier la Curtea de Apel cu adresa în Franklin 14, dintre creditori, cumpără proprietatea / 1932 cere supraetajare și adăugiri (transformarea radicală a vechii case P+E+m în imobil cu 3 etaje (III retras), arh. Dinu Antonescu; i se cere să demoleze și 53 m.p. din construcție; proprietarii se opun și fac un schimb, astfel încât să dărâme doar 1.74 m.p. clădire parter / 1933-1936 cerere de adăugare a 2 etaje peste casă, rezultând un imobil. (Oana Marinache - ARHITUR, De la Poșta Veche la Grădina Ateneului, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2022)

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Notă: Mai există un arhitect cu numele Dinu Antonescu: ANTONESCU, Dinu (1909 - 1998): Studii: Academia de Arhitectură, dipl. 1935; stagiu de pregătire de doi ani la prestigioasa „Academia di Romania” din Roma (1937-1939). După război se încadrează în învăţământul universitar de arhitectură, de unde este exclus după numai 3 ani, fiind obligat să activeze exclusiv în proiectare. Lucrări: locuinţe- zona centrală Călăraşi (1962); locuinţe- zona centrală Giurgiu (1963); lucrări de restaurare în zona Curtea Veche şi Hanul cu Tei (1967- 1972, în colaborare cu arh. Constantin Joja şi arh. Nicolae Pruncu). (Dicţionar al arhitecţilor români (sec. XIX, XX, XXI) literele A-C) / Dinu P. Antonescu (Arhiva de Arhitectură); Dinu Antonescu - Prezentare / Acesta încă nu-și terminase încă studiile în 1933, când au inceput lucrările la imobilul din strada Benjamin Franklin 5, deci nu poate fi aceeași persoană. (n.r.)

Referințe:

- Oana Marinache - ARHITUR, De la Poșta Veche la Grădina Ateneului, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2022

August 2023:

ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Benjamin Franklin 5:

The building at Benjamin Franklin 5 is a fascinating example of early 20th-century architecture, displaying a blend of modernist and neoclassical elements that reflect the transitional period in architectural design. This structure embodies the interplay between traditional classical influences and the emerging modernist sensibilities that characterized the architectural landscape of the time.

The building's facade is immediately striking due to its clean lines and balanced proportions, hallmarks of modernist design. However, it also incorporates neoclassical elements, creating a unique visual identity. The most prominent feature of the facade is the pair of vertical pilasters that extend from the ground level to the roofline. These pilasters are adorned with intricate capitals at the top, drawing inspiration from classical architecture. The inclusion of these classical elements adds a sense of grandeur and historical continuity to the otherwise modern design.

The pilasters frame a central section of the facade, which is relatively unadorned, emphasizing the building's verticality. This central section includes a series of windows that are symmetrically arranged, enhancing the building's formal, balanced appearance. The windows themselves are modernist in their simplicity, featuring minimal detailing and clean, rectangular shapes. This juxtaposition of classical pilasters with modernist windows exemplifies the blending of old and new architectural ideas.

One of the defining characteristics of this building is its rounded corner, which softens the otherwise angular lines of the structure. The rounded corner features a series of balconies that curve gracefully around the building, creating a dynamic and fluid form. These balconies are supported by slender metal railings, which add a touch of lightness and transparency to the facade. The curvature of the corner contrasts with the straight lines of the rest of the building, introducing an element of visual interest and breaking the monotony of the facade.

The building's ground floor is designed to accommodate commercial spaces, a common feature in urban architecture. Large storefront windows dominate this level, providing transparency and inviting passersby to engage with the shops and cafes housed within. The ground floor also features a prominent entrance, marked by a simple yet elegant canopy that provides shelter and creates a focal point for visitors. The use of glass and metal in the storefronts and entrance further emphasizes the modernist aesthetic, highlighting the building's functional and commercial nature.

Above the ground floor, the building rises several stories, each level maintaining a consistent design language. The repetitive arrangement of windows and balconies creates a sense of rhythm and order, reinforcing the building's modernist principles. The balconies on the upper floors are designed with simple metal railings that match those on the rounded corner, ensuring a cohesive appearance. These balconies provide outdoor space for residents and contribute to the building's livability, a key consideration in modernist architecture.

The roofline of the building is flat, a typical feature of modernist design that reflects the architectural shift away from traditional pitched roofs. This flat roofline not only contributes to the building's sleek and streamlined appearance but also allows for the possibility of rooftop amenities or gardens. The minimalistic treatment of the roofline aligns with the overall aesthetic of the building, emphasizing functionality and simplicity over decorative elements.

The facade is predominantly rendered in a light, neutral color, which enhances the building's modernist aesthetic and allows the architectural details to stand out. The use of a monochromatic color scheme is typical of modernist design, focusing attention on the form and structure of the building rather than on ornate decoration. This restrained color palette contributes to the building's sophisticated and timeless appearance.

Internally, the building is likely designed with a focus on efficiency and practicality, hallmarks of modernist architecture. The floor plans would prioritize open, flexible spaces that can be easily adapted to different uses. Large windows ensure that the interior spaces are filled with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming environment. The emphasis on functionality is evident in the straightforward circulation paths and the absence of unnecessary partitions, allowing for fluid movement within the building.

The architectural style of the building at Benjamin Franklin 5 reflects the transitional period in early 20th-century architecture, where modernist principles began to emerge while still drawing on classical influences. The combination of neoclassical pilasters with modernist windows and balconies creates a unique and harmonious design that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. The building's clean lines, balanced proportions, and minimalistic detailing are characteristic of modernist architecture, while the classical elements add a sense of historical continuity and elegance.

This building stands as a testament to the architectural experimentation and innovation of the early 20th century, showcasing how architects sought to reconcile the past with the present. The blend of modernist and neoclassical elements creates a distinctive visual identity that is both timeless and forward-looking. The building at Benjamin Franklin 5 is a notable example of how architecture can evolve and adapt, incorporating new ideas while respecting historical influences. It represents a pivotal moment in architectural history, where the principles of modernism began to take root and shape the urban landscape in profound and lasting ways.

## Specialiști
**Arhitectură:** Dinu Antonescu

Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/benjamin-franklin-5