În Planul Institutului Geografic al Armatei (1895-1899) apar figurate destul de lizibil şi casele gemene ale inginerului Gheorghe Popovici, retrase cu 4m de la limita dinspre bulevard a parcelei, după cum era prevăzut la momentul respectiv - fiind printre primele imobile construite pe noul bulevard, între 1895 şi 1899. Deşi iniţial nr. 32-34 au făcut parte dintr-o aceeași parcelă, acest mod de organizare internă printr-o linie de delimitare, care nu permite comunicarea la nici un nivel, precum şi prezenţa unui gard care continuă virtual limita ce trece prin construcţie şi în spaţiul verde, a făcut posibilă o împărţire a parcelei iniţiale în forma din prezent.
Ca partiu compozițional și stilistic, Casele Inginer Gheorghe Popovici aparţin perioadei de vârf a eclectismului academic, sfârşitul de secol al XIX-lea, şi adoptă o expresie stilistică inspirată din baroc şi rococo. Apar informaţii despre arhitectul care a proiectat clădirile gemene de la nr. 32-34, Constantin Fink, în cartea Cezarei Mucenic: „FINK, Const. arhitect 1896”
Decoraţia faţadei împrumută din repertoriul clasic: cornişa cu modilioane aplatizate, canelate cu frunză de acant la bază, banda cu ove sub cornişă acoperişului, măşti feminine sau cartuşe aplicate pe chei de arc, ancadramente de fereastră cu bandă foliată de grosime variabilă sprijinită pe console asimetrice în planul lor (de influenţă Rococo), panouri dreptunghiulare nedecorate deasupra ferestrelor la parter, panouri compuse din pătrate repetate cu guttae sub formă de trunchi de piramidă (din perioada Renaşterii) bosajul diferenţiat pe nivele, adânc la parter, fin la etaj (decoraţie de influenţă Renascentistă).
Între cornişa acoperişului şi cornişa care exprimă la exterior cota planşeului de peste etaj apar panouri care încadrează o decoraţie foliată, împărţită de o cheie de boltă falsă. Ceea ce dă nota caracteristică a siluetei faţadei se prezintă în traveea de colţ prin consolele în S supradimensionate (o hiperbolă a ornamentului) care susţin balconul printr-o cornişă şi peste care se așază figuri feminine (care amintesc de cariatide) într-o expresie naturalistă, dinamică, mod de ornamentaţie specific Rococoului. Un alt element care se distinge prin decoraţie este foişorul cu baza decorată cu rozete.
Interiorul adoptă un vocabular din acelaşi registru stilistic. Holul parterului, care conţine silueta scării triplu balansate, primeşte în colţuri console în S, iar stucaturile plafoanelor primesc scafe şi rozetă centrală. Gradul de reprezentativitate al piano nobile face ca uşile care se întorc spre vestibul să primească decoraţii la partea superioară cu cartuşe şi volute foliate. Corpul B nu primeşte decoraţii de stucatură sau de tâmplărie. (Ispas Andrada, Istrate Roxana – extrase din studiul istoric)
Referințe:
- Lascăr Carargiu 32-34, studiu istoric
- Arhitectul Constantin Fink
- Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu – studiu de evoluție istorică a zonei
- Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu
- Începuturile Bulevardului Lascăr Catargiu
- Elemente distincte ale bulevardului Lascăr Catargiu
- Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu - arhiva de studii (Coordonare arhive online DITACP Prof. dr. arh. Anca Brătuleanu)
- O plimbare pe bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu: atmosferă relaxată, vile burgheze monumentale
- Sub ochii mei (Andrei Pippidi despre Bv. Lascăr Catargiu și strada Visarion)
- Istorioare bucureștene (Visarion și Lascăr Catargiu)
- Arhitectul Constantin Fink (Arhiva de Arhitectură)
- Revanșa familiei Mavrodin. Cum au reușit doi profesori să recupereze superba reședință a strămoșilor, din buricul Bucureștiului, și apoi să vadă lumea (mențiune și foto Casele Inginer Gheorghe Popovici)
August 2023:
ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirilor din strada Lascăr Catargiu 32-34:
Introduction
The building featured in the provided image is a fine example of the eclectic architectural style that characterized much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This style is marked by the combination of elements from various historical periods and architectural movements, often resulting in richly detailed and visually engaging structures. The building in question showcases a harmonious blend of classical, baroque, and renaissance influences, which are evident in its intricate facade, ornate detailing, and balanced proportions. This essay will explore the architectural details of this building, highlighting its design, materials, and stylistic attributes.
Architectural Details
1. Facade and Materials:
- The facade of the building is constructed from high-quality stone and stucco, painted in a light, elegant color that enhances its classical appearance. The smooth finish of the materials contrasts beautifully with the richly detailed ornamentation that adorns the facade.
- The building features a symmetrical facade, which is a hallmark of classical architecture. This symmetry is evident in the balanced arrangement of windows, doors, and decorative elements, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
2. Windows and Openings:
- The windows are a prominent feature of the facade, designed with a keen attention to detail. The ground-floor windows are tall and rectangular, framed by pilasters and topped with decorative pediments that add a classical touch to the building.
- On the upper floors, the windows are topped with ornate cornices and flanked by intricate moldings. These windows are set within deep reveals, providing depth to the facade and creating interesting shadow patterns throughout the day.
- The use of large, arched windows ensures that the interior spaces are flooded with natural light, contributing to a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The arches also add a touch of renaissance influence to the design.
3. Balconies and Ironwork:
- The building features several balconies, which are elegantly integrated into the facade. These balconies are supported by ornate brackets and enclosed by wrought iron railings that feature intricate floral and geometric patterns.
- The ironwork is painted black, providing a striking contrast to the light-colored facade and highlighting the craftsmanship involved in their creation. These balconies not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building but also provide outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy.
4. Roofline and Cornice:
- The roofline of the building is one of its most distinctive features. It is topped with a Mansard roof, a characteristic element of the Second Empire style. This type of roof, with its steeply sloped sides and flat top, adds a sense of height and grandeur to the building.
- The Mansard roof is clad in slate tiles, arranged in a neat, geometric pattern that adds texture and visual interest. The roof is punctuated by dormer windows, which provide additional light to the attic space and add to the architectural complexity of the roofline.
- A prominent cornice runs along the top of the building, adorned with decorative brackets and moldings. This cornice serves both a functional and decorative purpose, providing a visually satisfying termination to the facade and protecting the walls from rainwater runoff.
5. Ornamental Details:
- Throughout the facade, various ornamental details can be observed, including garlands, festoons, and medallions. These elements are carefully integrated into the design, adding to the overall richness and elegance of the building.
- The corners of the building are emphasized with quoins, which are masonry blocks that provide visual strength and solidity to the structure. These quoins are often rusticated, adding texture and contrast to the smooth stone surface.
6. Entryway:
- The main entrance of the building is grand and inviting, set within a projecting bay that adds depth to the facade. The doorway is framed by decorative pilasters and an elaborate architrave, emphasizing its importance and creating a focal point for the facade.
- Above the entrance, there is a transom window that features intricate stained glass, adding color and artistry to the building. This window allows additional light into the entryway, enhancing the sense of openness and welcoming.
7. Structural Elements:
- The building's structure is expressed through its solid masonry construction, which provides both durability and a sense of permanence. The use of masonry also allows for the detailed carving and ornamentation that is a hallmark of the eclectic style.
- The foundation is robust, likely composed of stone or concrete, which supports the weight of the elaborate facade and ensures the building’s stability.
8. Context and Environment:
- The building is situated in an urban environment, surrounded by other historic structures that share its architectural grandeur. This context highlights the building’s role in the broader narrative of the city’s architectural evolution.
- The use of durable materials and the ornate design help the building stand out in its surroundings while still maintaining a harmonious relationship with neighboring structures.
9. Historical Significance:
- The building likely has historical significance, as suggested by its ornate design and the presence of commemorative plaques or markers. These elements indicate that the building may have been home to notable individuals or institutions, adding cultural value to its architectural merit.
Conclusion
The building in question is a magnificent representation of the eclectic architectural style that characterized much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its blend of classical, baroque, and renaissance elements, combined with intricate detailing and sophisticated ornamentation, create a visually engaging and harmonious facade. The building's use of symmetry, proportion, and decorative features showcases the architectural sophistication of its time. As a historic edifice, this building not only adds to the architectural diversity of its urban environment but also serves as a valuable piece of cultural heritage, preserving the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era. Through its enduring presence, this building continues to inspire admiration and appreciation for the rich architectural history it represents.
