# Blocurile Sun Insurance London (Ciobani) / Blocul Sun London Adresă: Bd. Nicolae Balcescu nr. 22 / Str. Traian Vuia nr. 1-3, Sector 1, Cartierul Batiștei, București An construcție: 1934 Tip ansamblu: Blocuri Tip clădire: 6-12 niveluri Stil arhitectural: Art Deco Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic ## Descriere Blocurile Sun Insurance London (Ciobani) / Blocul Sun London, construite în anul 1934 după planurile arh. Hermann Clejan. De-a lungul timpului a avut la parter un restaurant Ciobani, mai târziu în anii socialismului un magazin Apicola, iar prin anii 78-80 era sediul societăţii Larex, care se ocupa de verificarea calitativă a produselor. ## Articol Blocurile Sun Insurance London (Ciobani) / Blocul Sun London, construite în anul 1934 după planurile arh. Hermann Clejan. De-a lungul timpului a avut la parter un restaurant Ciobani, mai târziu în anii socialismului un magazin Apicola, iar prin anii 78-80 era sediul societăţii Larex, care se ocupa de verificarea calitativă a produselor. Referințe: - Un… petic de Bucuresti, printre-amintiri (Anii 1930-1934) - (De)căderea unui oraş - Perspective 32: Magheru şi Bălcescu, pe terasă - O panorama a Bucurestiului interbelic (a se citi comentariile) - Bucurestiul de odinioara (a se citi comentariile) - Imobilul Jawol (Magheru One) - România în Interbelic - Herman Clejan - Herman Clejan - Arhiva de arhitectură - CLEJAN, Hermann Mai 2024: ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 22: Situated on Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard, the building at number 22 stands as a notable example of the architectural diversity that characterizes Bucharest. The building's aesthetic blends modern functional design with elements of traditional architecture, creating a structure that is both functional and visually appealing. Constructed in the mid-20th century, the building reflects the architectural trends of its time, incorporating clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on geometric forms. Its façade is dominated by a large billboard, a common feature in urban landscapes that often detracts from the building's original architectural details. However, closer inspection reveals a number of noteworthy features that merit attention. The building is characterized by its use of reinforced concrete, a material that was becoming increasingly popular in the 20th century due to its durability and versatility. The concrete is exposed on the façade, lending the building a stark, industrial look that is softened by its proportions and the rhythm of the windows. The windows themselves are large and regularly spaced, providing ample natural light to the interior spaces and creating a sense of openness and transparency. One of the most striking features of the building is its vertical emphasis. The façade is divided into vertical sections by pilasters that run from the ground to the roofline, creating a sense of height and grandeur. These pilasters are simple in design, lacking the ornate capitals and bases of classical columns, but they nonetheless add a sense of structure and rhythm to the building's exterior. The entrance to the building is located at the corner, marked by a small canopy that provides shelter and signifies the main point of entry. The canopy is a modern addition, constructed from metal and glass, and it contrasts with the more traditional materials and forms of the rest of the building. This juxtaposition of old and new elements is a common theme in Bucharest's architecture, reflecting the city's layered history and ongoing evolution. Above the entrance, the façade curves slightly, creating a subtle but effective transition between the two main street-facing sides of the building. This curve adds a dynamic quality to the design, breaking up the otherwise rigid geometry of the structure. The curvature is echoed in the rounded corners of the windows, which soften the building's overall appearance and add a touch of elegance. The roofline of the building is flat, a common feature in modernist architecture that allows for the creation of roof terraces and other functional spaces. In this case, the roof is used to support large billboards and signage, which are visible from a considerable distance and serve to attract attention to the building. This commercial use of the roof space is indicative of the building's function as a mixed-use structure, accommodating both residential and commercial activities. The sides and rear of the building are less elaborately designed, reflecting their secondary status in comparison to the main street-facing façades. These areas are more utilitarian in appearance, with fewer windows and less decorative detailing. This contrast between the front and back of the building highlights the importance of façade design in urban architecture, where the appearance of the building from the street can significantly impact its perception and use. Despite its modernist influences, the building at Nicolae Bălcescu 22 also incorporates elements of traditional Romanian architecture. This is particularly evident in the use of decorative plasterwork around the windows and doors, as well as in the form of the roof canopy. These details add a layer of historical reference and cultural context to the building, grounding it in the architectural heritage of the region. In conclusion, the building at Nicolae Bălcescu 22 is a fine example of mid-20th-century architecture in Bucharest. Its design reflects the modernist principles of functionality, simplicity, and the use of new materials, while also incorporating elements of traditional Romanian architecture. The building's vertical emphasis, large windows, and subtle curves create a sense of openness and dynamism, making it a noteworthy addition to the city's urban landscape. Despite the visual clutter of modern billboards and signage, the building retains its architectural integrity and continues to contribute to the character and history of Bucharest. ## Specialiști **Arhitectură:** Herman Clejan Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/nicolae-balcescu-22