# Casa Margareta Dr. Iancovici

Adresă: Bd. Lascar Catargiu nr. 9Bis, Sector 1, Cartierul Piața Victoriei - Romană, București
Tip ansamblu: Case/Vile
Tip clădire: 2-5 niveluri
Stil arhitectural: Modernist interbelic
Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic

## Articol
Referințe:

- Oana Marinache – ARHITUR, Bulevardul Colțea – Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu, Asociația și Editura Istoria Artei, 2019

August 2023:

ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu 9A:

The building located at the intersection of two streets, as depicted in the provided images, exemplifies a mix of architectural styles characteristic of early 20th-century European urban residences. Its design reflects a transition from the ornate, decorative tendencies of the late 19th century to the more restrained and functional approach of the early 20th century. This architectural piece likely dates back to the early 1900s, showcasing features that bridge the gap between historicism and modernism.

The structure’s façade is marked by its simplicity and symmetry, key elements that hint at a neoclassical influence. The building stands three stories tall, with a mansard roof that adds an additional half-story, common in urban European settings to maximize space while adhering to zoning height restrictions. The roof, clad in what appears to be metal sheeting, features dormer windows that provide natural light to the attic space, which might be used for storage or additional living quarters.

The use of white and light grey tones on the exterior walls emphasizes the clean lines and geometric clarity of the building, minimizing decorative distractions. The walls themselves are divided horizontally by subtle cornices and string courses that break up the façade visually, lending a sense of proportion and rhythm to the structure. This horizontal division is a nod to classical architecture, where such lines would traditionally separate different levels of a building.

The windows of the building are uniformly rectangular and symmetrically placed, further contributing to the neoclassical aesthetic. On the first two floors, the windows are tall and narrow, enhancing the verticality of the façade. Each window is framed by simple, yet pronounced moldings, which provide a slight relief against the smooth wall surface. The uppermost windows in the mansard roof are smaller and less imposing, aligning with the practical considerations of attic lighting.

The entrance to the building is modest, situated on the side facing the street. It features a simple door, possibly made of wood, which is framed by a slightly protruding architrave. This doorway is accessed via a short flight of steps, hinting at a raised ground floor typical of many urban houses of the era, which helps to protect the interior from street-level dust and noise.

An interesting feature of this building is its corner treatment. The corner is not sharp but instead chamfered, creating a more visually appealing transition between the two street-facing façades. This design choice is both aesthetic and functional, as it reduces the bulkiness of the building at the intersection and allows for better pedestrian flow around the corner.

The overall massing of the building is cubic, a common trait in neoclassical urban architecture, where the form is often dictated by the plot size and urban planning regulations. The cubic form is practical, maximizing the internal space while maintaining a coherent external appearance. The building’s height, uniform window placement, and subdued decoration create a harmonious and balanced look, which would have been intended to convey a sense of order and stability.

Despite its predominantly neoclassical styling, there are hints of other influences. The mansard roof, for instance, is a hallmark of French Second Empire architecture, which had a resurgence in popularity in various parts of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This eclectic mix of styles reflects the broader architectural trends of the time, where elements from different periods and movements were often combined to create buildings that were both modern and rooted in tradition.

The building’s context within the urban fabric is also important. Its design and scale suggest it was intended as a residential property, likely housing multiple apartments or serving as a single-family home for an affluent family. The building fits seamlessly into the streetscape, with its scale and style complementing neighboring structures. This harmony is indicative of a period when urban development was guided by stringent architectural codes and aesthetic considerations, aiming for a cohesive urban environment.

In conclusion, the building at the intersection demonstrates a well-executed blend of neoclassical and early modernist architectural elements. Its clean lines, symmetry, and subtle decorative details speak to a transitional period in architecture, where the grandeur and ornamentation of the past were being tempered by a new appreciation for simplicity and functionality. The result is a structure that is both elegant and practical, embodying the architectural ideals of its time.

## Specialiști
**Arhitectură:** Ion Nicolaiță (dependințe, 1922); L. Herman (transformări, supraetajare, 1925)

Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/lascar-catargiu-9a