Pe strada Popa Soare a locuit Mircea Vulcănescu, împreuna cu familia sa, la numărul 16 bis. O consemnare a Mariucăi Vulcănescu dezvăluie atmosfera din sânul familiei Vulcănescu, de tandrețe și înțelegere reciprocă, precum și brutalele intruziuni care s-au soldat, în cele din urmă, cu evacuarea mamei și a copiilor din casă, la doi ani după arestarea lui Mircea Vulcănescu, în anul 1946. Casa "mică" era supranumită astfel spre a fi deosebită de blocul alăturat, mult mai înalt, care avea același număr. Povestea locului este seducătoare: cumpărat la 1900 de către părinții lui Mircea Vulcănescu, terenul se afla la întretăierea străzii Popa Soare cu Romulus, iar pe el se afla o casă bătrânească, numai cu parter, curtea fiind umbrită de un nuc uriaș. Cei doi copii (Mircea și Mișeta) ai familiei Vulcănescu crescând, s-a hotărât construirea unei noi case, asemănătoare unei cule, destinate locuirii familiei după cum urmează: la parter aveau sa stea părinții, la etajul întâi Mircea Vulcănescu și soția sa, iar la mansardă... prietenii acestuia: Paul Sterian, Dan Botta, Henry Stahl etc. În cele din urmă a fost dărâmată și casa veche și s-a construit un bloc cubist, în stilul anilor '30. Casa mică, cea rămasă lui Mircea Vulcănescu, avea să-i adăpostească ani de-a rândul pe prietenii săi: Mircea Eliade, Constantin Noica, Petru Comarnescu. (Andreea Rasuceanu - Cele doua Mântulese - Bucuresti, Vremea, 2009 / 18-Dec-2009, Monumenteromania.ro)
Referințe:
- [Dicționar, Arh. Vasile Țelea, Personalități ale Arhitecturii Românești 1880-2010, Editura Rentrop & Straton, 2014] - mențiune "Vila Vulcănescu, str. Romulus/str. Popa Soare, București (1930)"
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ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Popa Soare 16A:
The building depicted in the image is a modest, yet interesting example of vernacular architecture, which refers to a style of architecture that is based on local needs, construction materials, and traditions. Vernacular buildings are often designed without the input of professional architects and instead reflect the construction methods and aesthetic preferences of the people living in the area. This particular building is a testament to the functional, straightforward design that is characteristic of vernacular architecture, with a few elements that hint at historical and regional influences.
One of the most notable features of this building is its simplicity. The façade is unadorned and functional, with minimal decorative elements. The walls are plain, with a stucco finish that has aged over time, giving the building a weathered and somewhat rustic appearance. This lack of ornamentation is typical of vernacular architecture, where the focus is on practicality and utility rather than on decorative flourishes. The plain surface of the walls is interrupted only by the regular arrangement of windows and the central entrance door, which serves as the focal point of the façade.
The building is two stories tall, with a rectangular footprint that is typical of many residential structures. The symmetry of the façade is apparent in the evenly spaced windows and the centered entrance. The windows on the second floor are small and rectangular, with simple wooden frames. These windows are slightly recessed, creating a sense of depth on the otherwise flat façade. The placement and proportion of the windows suggest a concern for providing natural light and ventilation to the interior spaces, which is another hallmark of vernacular architecture.
One of the more distinctive features of the building is the use of dormer windows in the roof. The roof itself is a steeply pitched gable roof, which is well-suited to shedding rain and snow, an important consideration in regions with significant precipitation. The dormer windows are small and project from the roofline, providing additional light and space to the upper story. These dormers are framed in wood and are somewhat more decorative than the rest of the building, suggesting a later addition or an attempt to add a touch of refinement to the otherwise utilitarian structure.
The entrance to the building is marked by a simple, arched doorway, which provides a subtle architectural focal point. The arch is a common element in many types of architecture, often used to denote entrances or important spaces. Here, the arch is executed in a straightforward manner, with no additional embellishments, which is consistent with the building's overall minimalist aesthetic. The doorway itself is framed by a slightly raised stucco border, which adds a small degree of emphasis to the entrance.
The building's exterior materials are typical of vernacular construction. The lower portion of the façade is reinforced with a stone or concrete base, which serves to protect the building from moisture and wear at street level. Above this, the walls are constructed of a more lightweight material, likely brick or timber, covered with a stucco finish. This combination of materials reflects a practical approach to construction, where more durable materials are used where they are most needed, and lighter, less expensive materials are used elsewhere.
The roof is covered in traditional clay tiles, a common roofing material in many parts of Europe, particularly in regions with a long history of tile production. The red clay tiles are both durable and aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of color to the otherwise neutral façade. The use of clay tiles also reflects the building's regional context, as this material has been used for centuries in local construction due to its availability and suitability for the climate.
The overall proportions of the building are modest, with a low ceiling height and a compact footprint. This suggests that the building was intended as a functional residence, designed to provide shelter and basic amenities rather than to impress or demonstrate wealth. The simplicity of the design, combined with the practical use of materials, points to a building that was constructed with an emphasis on economy and utility.
Despite its modesty, the building does have a certain charm that comes from its straightforward, honest design. The lack of pretension and the focus on functionality give the building a sense of authenticity, making it a good example of how vernacular architecture can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The weathered appearance of the stucco and the aging roof tiles add to this sense of authenticity, suggesting a building that has stood the test of time and has been well-used by its occupants.
In conclusion, this building is a fine example of vernacular architecture, characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and use of local materials. The unadorned façade, symmetrical design, and practical use of materials all reflect a building tradition that prioritizes utility over ornamentation. While the building may not be grand or architecturally ambitious, it has a quiet dignity that comes from its straightforward, honest construction. The dormer windows and arched doorway add just a touch of architectural interest, hinting at a desire to incorporate some elements of style into an otherwise utilitarian design. Overall, this building serves as a reminder of the value of vernacular architecture, which provides a practical and often beautiful response to local needs and conditions.
