Nr. 66 colț cu str. Vasile Alecsandri; Propr. ing. H. Marin; 1916 atelier de reparații și birouri, arh. Ernest Schmidts; Propr. Soc. Caraimanul; 1920 extinderi, corpuri noi, cond. C. Harmening (neautorizate); Propr. Josef Pfenings; 1934 împrejmuire, refacerea pardoselii și a tencuielii, Soc. Anonimă de Construcții (fostă E. Schmidts); O casă parter a fost supraînălțată recent. (Oana Marinache, Arhitur – Strada Grigore Alexandrescu și împrejurimi, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei 2019)
În casa de pe colţul dintre strada Alecsandri şi strada Grigore Alexandrescu a locuit bijutierul curţii regale, Josef Resch. (Silvia Colfescu)
Referințe:
- Oana Marinache, Arhitur – Strada Grigore Alexandrescu și împrejurimi, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei 2019
- Silvia Colfescu, Câteva străduţe bucureştene. Un microcosm
August 2023:
Martie 2009:
ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Grigore Alexandrescu 66:
The building at the intersection of Grigore Alexandrescu and Ciprian Porumbescu streets in Bucharest is a testament to the rich architectural heritage that characterizes this historic neighborhood. Constructed during the late 19th or early 20th century, the edifice reflects a blend of Neo-Romanian and Beaux-Arts architectural styles, which were prevalent during that era in Romania.
The structure stands out with its robust and imposing presence, a characteristic feature of the architectural trends of the period, which favored grandeur and decorative detailing. The building’s symmetrical facade is meticulously designed, showcasing an array of decorative elements that enhance its visual appeal and underscore its architectural significance.
One of the most striking aspects of the building is its large, arched windows on the ground floor. These windows are framed with intricate stonework, featuring decorative keystones and lintels that add to the visual interest. The use of arches is a hallmark of the Neo-Romanian style, which often incorporates elements from traditional Romanian architecture, such as the use of arches and elaborate stone carvings. This architectural choice not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also connects the building to Romania’s cultural heritage.
Above the ground floor windows, the first floor features a series of rectangular windows that, while equally grand, exhibit a more restrained decorative style. These windows are divided into smaller panes, a characteristic feature of the Beaux-Arts style, which emphasizes classical proportions and symmetry. The frames of these windows are adorned with subtle moldings that enhance their elegance and contribute to the building's harmonious design.
The facade is further embellished with ornamental details such as pilasters and cornices. Pilasters are flat, rectangular columns that project slightly from the wall, giving the illusion of classical columns. These pilasters are topped with decorative capitals, adding to the classical aesthetic. The cornices, which are horizontal decorative moldings that crown the building, are intricately detailed and project slightly from the wall, casting shadows that add depth to the facade. These elements reflect the influence of classical architecture and the Beaux-Arts movement, which sought to revive and reinterpret classical forms in a modern context.
A notable feature of the building is its balcony on the first floor. Supported by decorative brackets, the balcony is enclosed with a wrought-iron railing that features intricate designs, typical of the Beaux-Arts style. This balcony not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also serves as a functional element, providing outdoor space for the occupants. The craftsmanship of the wrought-iron railing is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the attention to detail and the high level of skill of the artisans of the time.
The roof of the building is another distinctive feature. It is a pitched roof with a significant overhang, supported by exposed wooden beams. This type of roof is typical of the Neo-Romanian style, which often incorporates elements of traditional Romanian architecture. The eaves are decorated with intricate wooden carvings, adding to the building's ornamental details. This architectural choice not only contributes to the building's aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits, such as protecting the facade from the elements.
The use of stucco on the exterior walls is another characteristic feature of the period. Stucco, a type of plaster used for coating wall surfaces, is applied in a smooth, even layer, providing a suitable surface for decorative elements. In this building, the stucco is used to create a textured finish that adds to the visual interest of the facade. The choice of stucco also reflects the influence of Mediterranean architecture, which was popular in the region during the early 20th century.
The building also features a prominent entrance, marked by a large wooden door with intricate carvings. The door is flanked by pilasters and topped with a decorative pediment, further emphasizing the classical elements of the Beaux-Arts style. The grand entrance indicates the importance of the building, possibly serving as a residence for a prominent individual or as an institutional building. The craftsmanship of the wooden door and the surrounding stonework is particularly impressive, showcasing the high level of skill and attention to detail that went into the construction of the building.
The overall composition of the building is characterized by a harmonious balance of proportions and decorative elements. The symmetry of the facade, the careful arrangement of windows and doors, and the use of classical architectural motifs all contribute to the building's aesthetic appeal. The combination of Neo-Romanian and Beaux-Arts styles creates a unique architectural expression that reflects the cultural and historical context of early 20th-century Bucharest.
In conclusion, the building at the intersection of Grigore Alexandrescu and Ciprian Porumbescu streets is a fine example of late 19th to early 20th-century architecture in Bucharest. Its combination of Neo-Romanian and Beaux-Arts styles, with features such as arched and rectangular windows, decorative stonework, pilasters, cornices, a wrought-iron balcony, and a pitched roof with exposed beams, showcases the architectural richness of the period. The use of ornamental details and classical proportions highlights the building's grandeur and historical significance, making it an important part of Bucharest's architectural heritage.
