Vila Dimitrie Bălescu, aflată pe unul dintre cele mai elegante bulevarde ale capitalei a fost construită între 1911 și 1912 după planurile vestitului arhitect Paul Smărăndescu pentru comanditarul Dimitrie Bălescu. Cu trăsături de „hotel particulier”, vila îmbină armonios elemente arhitecturale ce aparțin stilului Beaux-Arts academist francez: marchiza din fier forjat cu felinare de la intrarea principală, balcoanele franțuzești cu ancadramente bogate ce duc cu gândul la cornul abundenței, ghirlandele vegetale cu frunză de acant, figurile leilor de la cornișă ce simbolizează putere. Motivul frunzei de acant reliefată în fier forjat se regăsește atât în feroneria ușii principale, cât și la balustrada scărilor ce fac legătura între antreu și salonul principal. Clădirea se află într-o zonă construită protejată și este înconjurată la rândul ei de clădiri elegante și monumente istorice.
Terenul de 686,65 mp a fost cumpărat în 1909 de Dimitrie Bălescu, care l-a comisionat pe arh. Paul Smărăndescu să construiască această casă în stilul eclectic academist în 1912. Soția lui Dimitrie Bălescu era Elena și împreună au avut 6 copii: Nicolae, Ion, Constantin, Gheorghe, Lelia și Virginia. După ce Dimitrie Bălescu a încetat din viață, proprietatea i-a revenit fiicei sale, Lelia.
Referințe:
- Anunt de vanzare Casa Dimitrie Balescu 2023 - preț 11,000 000€
- Vila Dimitrie Bălescu (galerie foto interior)
- Vila Dimitrie Bălescu (Imaginarium)
- O vilă istorică din centrul Capitalei se vinde cu 4 milioane de euro. Cui a aparținut
- Vila istorică Bălescu din centrul Capitalei, scoasă la vânzare cu 4 milioane de euro
- Palat din București, în paragină, dar costă milioane €. A avut un proprietar celebru cu 6 copii
- Abandoned - Imaginarium by Ana Dumitru
- Vizită vila Bălescu
- O VILĂ ISTORICĂ BEAUX-ARTS DIN CENTRUL CAPITALEI
- 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)
- Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu – studiu de evoluție istorică a zonei
- 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)
- Arhitect Paul Smărăndescu
- Paul Smărăndescu
- Traseu arhitectural Paul Smărăndescu
- Arhitect Paul Smărăndescu - Facebook
- Arhitect Paul Smărăndescu (Wikipedia)
- Paul Smarandescu - IDentitate
- Arhitect Paul Smărăndescu - Facebook
- Arhitectură românească/Romanian Architecture
- Arhitectura Neoromânească - Lucrari IV arh. Paul Smarandescu
- Ambiguități în fișa Arhitectului Paul Smărăndescu de pe site-ul Centrului Cultural META
- [Oana Marinache, Arghir Culina, arhitectură la răscrucea vremurilor, Vol. I 1908-1916, Editura Istoria Artei, București 2024] (volum tipărit)
ChatGPT on the architectural style of the building Casa Dimitrie Bălescu at Lascăr Catargiu 8, by architect Paul Smărăndescu, year 1912: Casa Dimitrie Bălescu, designed by architect Paul Smărăndescu in 1912, is an exemplar of Neo-Rococo architecture, a style noted for its ornate and highly decorative elements that draw from the Rococo period, which was originally popular in 18th century France. The building reflects a late revival of this style, incorporating modern adaptations of its characteristic features.
The facade of Casa Dimitrie Bălescu is distinguished by elaborate stucco work, which includes sculptural details such as cartouches, scrollwork, and floral motifs. These decorations are typical of the Neo-Rococo aesthetic, emphasizing playfulness and elaborate detailing. The building also features a symmetrical layout common in traditional architectural styles, further emphasized by evenly spaced windows adorned with intricate pediments that enhance its classical appearance.
Balconies are an important feature of this building, with wrought iron railings that exhibit fine craftsmanship and intricate designs, contributing to the overall elegance of the facade. These balconies, coupled with the large windows, ensure a visually open facade that invites light into the interiors, a practical feature that also enhances the aesthetic quality of the building.
The roofline is adorned with small dormer windows, which break the continuity of the mansard roof, a feature often associated with French architectural styles. The inclusion of these dormer windows not only adds to the functional attic space but also contributes to the decorative facade, maintaining the building's coherent stylistic narrative.
Overall, Casa Dimitrie Bălescu by Paul Smărăndescu is a sophisticated blend of historical elegance and architectural innovation, showcasing the adaptability and enduring appeal of Neo-Rococo design elements in early 20th-century Romanian architecture.
Paul Smărăndescu was a notable Romanian architect who made significant contributions to the architectural landscape of Romania in the early to mid-20th century. Although detailed biographical information about Smărăndescu may not be as readily available or as extensive as for some of his contemporaries, his work is well recognized within the context of Romanian architecture.
Career and Works: Paul Smărăndescu was active primarily in the first half of the 20th century, a period when Romania was undergoing significant cultural and architectural transformations. His architectural style often incorporated elements from traditional Romanian and various historical European styles, adapting them into the modern context of his time.
One of the characteristics of Smărăndescu’s work was his versatility in using different architectural styles, depending on the function and location of the building. He designed residential buildings, public institutions, and contributed to urban developments, each project showcasing attention to detail and a keen sense of aesthetics.
Architectural Style: Smărăndescu’s style could vary from Neo-Romanian, a style which sought to reflect national identity through architecture, to Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo, which were more ornate and reflected the influence of European architectural trends. His buildings often featured elaborate facades, decorative moldings, and a strong emphasis on symmetry and proportion, which are hallmarks of classical architectural design.
Legacy: Paul Smărăndescu's contribution to Romanian architecture is valued for its artistic merit and its role in shaping the urban aesthetic of Bucharest and other Romanian cities during a time of significant change. Buildings designed by Smărăndescu are considered important cultural heritage sites and continue to be studied and admired for their architectural significance.
While specific details about his life and full portfolio may not be extensively documented, Paul Smărăndescu remains recognized as an important figure in the history of Romanian architecture, particularly for his contributions during a formative period of the nation's development.
