# Casa Halfon

Adresă: Str. Lipscani nr. 26, Sector 3, Cartierul Centrul Vechi (turistic), București
An construcție: 1884
Tip ansamblu: Case/Vile
Tip clădire: 2-5 niveluri
Stil arhitectural: Eclectic regional
Risc seismic: Consolidat
Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic

## Descriere
Teatrul Dramaturgilor și Teatrul Foarte Mic împart spațiul cultural în casa din strada Lipscani 26, una dintre puținele clădiri din Centrul Vechi identificabile ca fiind evreiești. Ea a fost construită în 1884. Conform planului cadastral din 1911, casa a aparținut Familiei Halfon, familie de bancheri evrei de rit spaniol. Casa cu prăvălie de pe Lipscani 26 ascunde o poveste aparte. Ea a fost construită în 1884 cu subsol și parter, fiind înălțată ulterior cu încă două etaje și mansardă.

## Articol
Teatrul Dramaturgilor și Teatrul Foarte Mic împart spațiul cultural în casa din strada Lipscani 26, una dintre puținele clădiri din Centrul Vechi identificabile ca fiind evreiești. Ea a fost construită în 1884. Conform planului cadastral din 1911, casa a aparținut Familiei Halfon, familie de bancheri evrei de rit spaniol. Casa cu prăvălie de pe Lipscani 26 ascunde o poveste aparte. Ea a fost construită în 1884 cu subsol și parter, fiind înălțată ulterior cu încă două etaje și mansardă. De-a lungul anilor, aici și-au avut sediul mai multe croitorii, florării, asociații bancare și librării. În 2002, clădirea a fost înscrisă în clasa de risc seismic I și declarată monument istoric doi ani mai târziu. După ce proprietarul de drept a revendicat casa naționalizată de comuniști în anii '50, librăria George Coșbuc, care funcționa din 1970, a fost închisă. În 2016, casa a fost reconsolidată în totalitate, iar Primăria Municipiului București a cumpărat-o cu scopul de a o transforma într-un spaţiu cultural pentru Teatrul Dramaturgilor/ Teatrul Foarte Mic, care funcționează și în ziua de astăzi. (Merg În)

Referințe:

- Casa Halfon din Lipscani 26
- Lipscani 26
- Lipscani 26 (de Reptilianul)
- Solomon I. Halfon
- Legende urbane. Strada Lipscani – locul unde viața își face loc printre dărâmături și fragmente de istorie

Octombrie 2022:

ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Lipscani 26:

The building depicted in the image is a prime example of early 20th-century architecture in Bucharest, reflecting a transitional period between the Beaux-Arts and the modernist styles. This architectural phase is marked by a blend of classical elements with emerging modernist tendencies, aiming to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally suited to the urban environment.

The façade of the building is symmetrical and features a combination of classical and modernist details. The symmetry of the structure is a hallmark of the Beaux-Arts tradition, which was widely popular in Europe at the turn of the 20th century. This style emphasizes harmony, proportion, and the use of classical architectural elements such as columns, cornices, and decorative moldings. However, in this building, these elements are expressed in a more restrained and simplified manner, indicative of the shift towards modernism.

One of the most striking features of the building is its use of vertical lines, which are accentuated by the pilasters running along the façade. These pilasters, though not structural, create a visual rhythm that draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the building. The pilasters are capped with simple, unadorned capitals, which are a departure from the more elaborate Corinthian or Ionic capitals seen in earlier neoclassical architecture. This simplification is characteristic of the early modernist approach, where the focus was on form and function rather than excessive ornamentation.

The balconies on the second floor are another notable feature, with their curved shapes and intricate wrought-iron railings. These balconies introduce a dynamic element to the otherwise linear façade, breaking up the vertical lines and adding a sense of depth and texture to the building. The wrought-iron railings are intricately designed, featuring geometric patterns that reflect both classical and Art Nouveau influences. This combination of curves and straight lines is a typical feature of buildings from this period, where architects were experimenting with new forms and materials while still adhering to traditional design principles.

The windows are tall and narrow, aligning with the pilasters and further enhancing the verticality of the building. The window frames are simple and devoid of excessive decoration, another nod to modernist principles. However, above each window is a small decorative element, possibly a lintel or an entablature, which adds a subtle classical touch to the design. These decorative elements are minimal but effective, providing a visual break in the otherwise plain façade and drawing attention to the windows.

The roof of the building is mansard-style, a popular choice in European urban architecture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mansard roof is characterized by its steeply sloped sides and a flat or gently sloping upper surface. This type of roof allows for additional living space in the attic, often referred to as a mansard floor. The inclusion of dormer windows in the mansard roof further enhances the building’s vertical emphasis, while also providing light and ventilation to the upper floors. The dormers in this building are modest in size and design, in keeping with the overall restrained aesthetic of the structure.

The lower portion of the façade is dominated by large, rectangular windows that likely correspond to commercial spaces on the ground floor. These large windows are typical of early 20th-century urban buildings, where the ground floor was often used for shops or offices, necessitating large display windows. The design of these windows is straightforward, with simple frames that do not detract from the overall symmetry and balance of the façade. The absence of elaborate decoration on the ground floor is consistent with the modernist emphasis on function and practicality.

At the center of the façade, there is a slight projection, creating a bay that houses the central windows and balconies. This projection is subtle but effective, adding a three-dimensional quality to the building and breaking up the flatness of the façade. The central bay also serves to highlight the entrance, which is likely located directly below it. This central emphasis is a common feature in classical architecture, where the main entrance is often accentuated to create a focal point for the building.

The color scheme of the building is muted, with a light, neutral tone dominating the façade. This color choice enhances the building’s elegant and understated appearance, allowing the architectural details to stand out without being overpowering. The light color also helps to reflect light, making the building appear brighter and more inviting, which is particularly important in narrow urban streets where natural light may be limited.

In terms of materials, the building is likely constructed from a combination of brick and stone, with a plaster or stucco finish on the exterior. This choice of materials is typical of the period, where architects were beginning to experiment with new construction techniques and materials while still relying on traditional methods for finishing and detailing. The use of plaster or stucco allows for smooth surfaces that can be easily decorated with moldings and other ornamental features.

Overall, the building at Lipscani 26 is a fine example of the architectural transition from the Beaux-Arts tradition to early modernism. It retains many classical elements, such as symmetry, proportion, and decorative details, while also embracing modernist principles of simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials and construction techniques. The building’s design reflects the evolving tastes and needs of urban dwellers in the early 20th century, combining elegance and practicality in a way that remains visually appealing and relevant even today.

Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/lipscani-26