# Casa Alexandru I. Protopopescu

Adresă: Str. Franceza nr. 11, Sector 3, Cartierul Centrul Vechi (turistic), București
An construcție: 1856
Tip ansamblu: Case/Vile
Tip clădire: 2-5 niveluri
Stil arhitectural: Neoclasic
Monument istoric: clasa B
Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic

## Descriere
La parter erau patru prăvălii, separate în mod egal de portalul intrării în curtea interioară. Etajul, foarte bine vitrat, este generos decorat cu frontoane la ferestre, unde cele triunghiulare alternează cu cele semicirculare și cu cartușe cu  ghirlande dedesubtul ferestrelor.

## Articol
Franceză nr. 11 (fostă strada Carol I nr. 21), proprietar Alexandru I. Protopopescu – rentier; arhitect A. Krause; datarea faţadei – 1886;

În anul 1886, Alexandru I. Protopopescu înainta o cerere de eliberare a unei autorizaţii de construire pentru repararea și refacerea faţadei, însoţită și de un plan al acesteia. Acest document dovedește faptul că această casă a fost construită înainte de anul 1886. Însă faţada sa, așa cum se mai poate vedea și astăzi, deși se află într-o stare proastă de conservare, mai păstrează o mare parte din elementele de plastică decorativă ale etajului. Intervenţia asupra faţadei nu a însemnat o simplă reparaţie a celei existente, ci o remodelare a ei, în ton cu noile curente din arhitectura celei de-a două jumătăţi a secolului 19, simbol al conformării la noile norme de prezentare arhitecturală din epocă.

Parcela de la această proprietate nu este atât de îngustă și restrictivă precum tipul specific, des întâlnit în centrul comercial al orașului, iar volumele construcţiei, cu parter și un singur etaj, sunt mai ample. La parter erau patru prăvălii, separate în mod egal de portalul intrării în curtea interioară. Etajul, foarte bine vitrat, este generos decorat cu frontoane la ferestre, unde cele triunghiulare alternează cu cele semicirculare și cu cartușe cu ghirlande dedesubtul ferestrelor. Intenţia de producere a efectului de monumentalitate la această clădire este trădată și de modalitatea de realizare a traveii centrale cu portalul parterului, balconul decorat al etajului și aticul de deasupra cornișei. (Alexandra Țânțăreanu)

Referințe:

- Strada Franceză – Studiu istoric (Alexandra Țânțăreanu, Universitatea de Arhitectură Ion Mincu)
- Restaurare și refuncționalizare imobil str. Franceză nr.11, București (Anuala de Arhitectură 2016)
- Strada Franceza - Restituiri (BCMI 2010)
- Case pe strada Franceză (6) (Bucureștii vechi și noi)

Octombrie 2022:

ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Franceză 11:

The building located at Strada Franceza 11 in Bucharest is a striking example of Neo-Classical architecture, a style that draws heavily on the principles of classical antiquity, particularly those of Greek and Roman architecture. This building, with its elegant proportions, symmetry, and decorative elements, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of classical architecture on urban development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its presence on Strada Franceza, a street known for its rich historical and architectural heritage, adds to the overall grandeur and historical significance of the area.

The Neo-Classical style, which gained popularity in Europe during the 18th century and continued to be influential well into the 19th century, is characterized by its emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and the use of classical orders and decorative motifs. The building at Strada Franceza 11 embodies these characteristics through its carefully composed façade, which is organized into a series of vertical and horizontal elements that create a balanced and harmonious appearance.

The building is a multi-story structure, with the façade divided into three distinct levels. The ground floor, which likely serves a commercial function, is designed to be both accessible and visually appealing, with large display windows that allow light to flood the interior spaces. These windows are framed by simple, yet elegant, moldings that add a sense of refinement to the ground level. The entrance to the building is centrally located, marked by a grand, arched doorway that is both inviting and imposing. This entrance is flanked by pilasters, which rise from the ground floor to the cornice, emphasizing the verticality of the building and adding to its classical character.

One of the most striking features of the building is its upper façade, which is richly adorned with classical elements. The second floor is characterized by a series of large, rectangular windows, each framed by pilasters and topped with a triangular or arched pediment. These pediments are a hallmark of Neo-Classical architecture, evoking the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman temples. The use of pediments above the windows not only adds a sense of hierarchy to the façade but also creates a rhythm that guides the viewer's eye across the building.

The central bay of the façade is particularly noteworthy, as it features a slightly projecting section that is crowned with a balcony. This balcony, which is supported by decorative brackets, is enclosed by a wrought-iron balustrade that showcases intricate patterns typical of the period. The balcony serves as both a functional outdoor space and a visual focal point, drawing attention to the central axis of the building and reinforcing its symmetrical composition. Above the balcony, the central window is framed by a more elaborate arch, which is adorned with floral and foliate carvings that add a touch of elegance and refinement to the overall design.

The third floor of the building is simpler in its treatment, with smaller windows that are evenly spaced and framed by plain moldings. This floor is capped by a substantial cornice, which projects outward from the façade and is supported by a series of decorative brackets. The cornice is richly detailed, featuring classical motifs such as dentils and modillions, which create a strong horizontal line that caps the building and provides a clear visual termination to the façade.

The building's exterior is finished with stucco, a material commonly used in Neo-Classical architecture for its smooth, even surface, which provides a perfect canvas for the intricate moldings and decorative elements. The stucco is painted in a light, neutral color, which not only reflects light and brightens the street but also highlights the building’s classical details. The contrast between the light-colored stucco and the darker window frames adds depth and visual interest to the façade, enhancing its overall appearance.

One of the key characteristics of Neo-Classical architecture is its emphasis on proportion and symmetry, both of which are clearly evident in this building. The façade is meticulously composed, with each element carefully placed to create a sense of balance and harmony. The use of pilasters, pediments, and cornices all contribute to the building's classical appearance, while the overall composition reflects a deep understanding of classical architectural principles.

The building’s location on Strada Franceza places it in a historically significant part of Bucharest, where the architecture reflects the city’s evolution from a medieval settlement to a modern European capital. The Neo-Classical style of the building is indicative of the broader cultural and architectural trends that were prevalent in Bucharest during the late 19th century, a period when the city was undergoing rapid modernization and sought to align itself with other European capitals. The building at Strada Franceza 11, with its classical design and elegant proportions, is a product of this period of transformation and reflects the aspirations of a city eager to showcase its cultural and architectural achievements.

Despite its historical significance, the building has likely undergone some degree of restoration and modernization, particularly on the ground floor, where the commercial spaces may have been updated to meet contemporary needs. However, these changes have been made with respect to the building’s original character, ensuring that it remains a cohesive part of the architectural fabric of Strada Franceza.

In conclusion, the building at Strada Franceza 11 is a superb example of Neo-Classical architecture in Bucharest. Its richly decorated façade, with its symmetrical composition, classical elements, and elegant proportions, reflects the architectural trends of the late 19th century and contributes to the historical character of Strada Franceza. The building embodies the aspirations of a time when Bucharest was emerging as a modern European capital, and its continued presence on Strada Franceza serves as a reminder of the city’s rich cultural and architectural history. Despite the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it, the building remains a vital part of Bucharest’s architectural heritage, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and the cultural values that shaped its development. As part of the larger architectural ensemble of Strada Franceza, this building continues to play a crucial role in preserving the historical identity of Bucharest’s old town, ensuring that the city’s rich architectural legacy is passed down to future generations.

## Specialiști
**Arhitectură:** A. Krause; Cătălina Dana Preda, CPCP Studio (restaurare și refuncționalizare 2015); Alexandra Agapie, CPCP Studio (restaurare și refuncționalizare 2015); Karina Staicova, CPCP Studio (restaurare și refuncționalizare 2015); Mara Vasile, CPCP Studio (restaurare și refuncționalizare 2015); Elena-Tatiana Avramescu, CPCP Studio (restaurare și refuncționalizare 2015); Josef Kovacs (restaurare și refuncționalizare 2015, studiu istoric); Cristina Ionescu (restaurare și refuncționalizare 2015, studiu istoric)
**Construcții:** Macrea Construct (antreprenor restaurare)
**Instalații (proiectare):** Alexandru Teodor, TEO Consulting
**Structuri:** Mircea Crișan, MC Design Construct; Vlad Petrescu

Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/franceza-11