Notă legată de cele două blocuri vechi din curtae interioară: Sunt 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.
Dar Oana Marinache, în studiile sale (Oana Marinache, Arhitur – Strada Brezoianu și zona Grădinii Cișmigiului, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2024), le/o plasează în strada Banului, cu mențiunea „bloc modernist”:
- 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.
Dar din text nu e clar dacă acest „bloc modernist” e considerat o entitate distinctă, la una dintre adresele Str. Banului 1 sau 1A (sau la ambele) – existând și posibilitatea ca ceea ce consideră dânsa ca „nr. 1” să fie astăzi „nr. 1A”, și invers. În fotografiile noastre recente „1A” se vede clar pe clădirea (foarte) veche și deteriorată de la stradă, P+2E.
Referințe:
- Oana Marinache, Arhitur – Strada Brezoianu și zona Grădinii Cișmigiului, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2024
- Incursiune în mahalaua bucureșteană Manea Brutaru (Popa Radu)
August 2023:
ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din Calea Victoriei 103-105 / Banului 1:
The building located at Calea Victoriei 103-105, which is part of the interior block also known as Banului 1, is a notable example of early 20th-century architecture in Bucharest. This structure captures the eclecticism that was prevalent in Romanian urban design during this period, blending elements from various architectural styles to create a unique and harmonious composition.
The facade of the building showcases a blend of neoclassical and Beaux-Arts influences, which were popular in Romania during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The neoclassical elements are evident in the symmetry and proportion of the design, as well as in the use of classical motifs such as pilasters and cornices. The building's vertical divisions, created by pilasters that rise through several floors, emphasize its height and give it a sense of grandeur. These pilasters are capped with Corinthian capitals, adding a touch of elegance and refinement.
The Beaux-Arts influence is particularly noticeable in the decorative details that adorn the facade. The windows are framed with elaborate moldings, and some feature ornamental keystones and pediments. These decorative elements enhance the visual interest of the building and highlight the craftsmanship that went into its construction. The use of wrought iron for the balcony railings adds another layer of intricate detail, demonstrating the integration of decorative arts into the architectural design.
One of the key features of this building is its use of recessed and projecting elements to create depth and shadow on the facade. The central section of the facade is slightly recessed, creating a contrast with the projecting wings on either side. This variation in depth helps to break up the mass of the building and adds a dynamic quality to its appearance. The projecting cornice at the roofline further emphasizes this sense of depth and provides a strong horizontal element that caps the vertical lines of the facade.
The windows of the building are varied in size and shape, reflecting the eclectic approach to design. On the lower floors, the windows are larger and more elaborate, often featuring segmented arches or rectangular frames with decorative lintels. On the upper floors, the windows become simpler and more uniform, contributing to the building's overall sense of hierarchy and order. This variation in window design not only adds visual interest but also reflects the different functions of the interior spaces.
The entrance to the building is marked by a grand doorway, which is often a focal point in neoclassical and Beaux-Arts architecture. This entrance is framed by pilasters and topped with a decorative pediment, creating a sense of importance and formality. The doorway itself is typically wide and tall, designed to impress visitors and convey a sense of prestige.
The use of color on the facade is also worth noting. The building is painted in a light, neutral color, which highlights the architectural details and gives it a clean, elegant appearance. This choice of color helps to emphasize the shadows and depth created by the recessed and projecting elements, enhancing the overall three-dimensional quality of the design.
In addition to its neoclassical and Beaux-Arts elements, the building also incorporates some features that are characteristic of the Art Nouveau style, which was gaining popularity in Europe at the time. This influence can be seen in the flowing, organic forms of some of the decorative details, such as the wrought iron balcony railings and the ornamental moldings around the windows. These elements add a touch of whimsy and natural beauty to the otherwise formal and symmetrical design.
The building's roof is another important aspect of its design. It features a mansard roof, which is a common element in Beaux-Arts architecture. This type of roof allows for additional living space in the attic and gives the building a distinctive silhouette. The roof is often punctuated with dormer windows, which provide light and ventilation to the upper floors and add to the architectural interest of the design.
Inside, the building is likely to feature high ceilings, spacious rooms, and elegant finishes, reflecting the same attention to detail and craftsmanship seen on the exterior. The interior spaces would be designed to provide both comfort and a sense of grandeur, with features such as ornate plasterwork, wood paneling, and marble floors.
Overall, the building at Calea Victoriei 103-105 exemplifies the eclectic architectural style that was popular in early 20th-century Bucharest. Its blend of neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, and Art Nouveau elements creates a rich and varied design that is both elegant and dynamic. The attention to detail, use of decorative arts, and integration of functional and aesthetic elements make this building a significant example of the architectural heritage of Bucharest. It stands as a testament to the city's cultural and artistic history, reflecting the influences and innovations of its time.
