# Crama Domnească (Curtea Veche)

Adresă: Str. Selari nr. 13-15, Sector 3, Cartierul Centrul Vechi (turistic), București
An construcție: 1900
Tip ansamblu: Comerciale
Tip clădire: 2-5 niveluri
Stil arhitectural: Eclectic regional
Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic

## Articol
Octombrie 2022:

ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Șelari 13-15:

The building located at Selari 13-15 in Bucharest’s historic Lipscani district is a distinctive example of early 20th-century urban architecture that reflects the eclectic mix of styles prevalent during that period. This structure, with its striking wooden façade and large glass windows, stands out in the urban landscape for its combination of traditional and modern elements, embodying the architectural transitions that were occurring in Bucharest at the time.

The most prominent feature of this building is its extensive use of wood on the upper floors, a material choice that is relatively unusual for urban buildings in Bucharest, especially in commercial areas like Lipscani. The wooden façade is composed of large, framed glass panels that cover almost the entire front of the building. This extensive glazing creates a sense of lightness and transparency, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces. The use of wood adds warmth and texture to the building, contrasting with the more common stone and plaster façades of the neighboring structures.

The design of the wooden façade is reminiscent of traditional Romanian architecture, particularly the verandas and balconies commonly found in rural houses and smaller urban residences. This stylistic choice reflects an effort to bring elements of national architectural identity into the rapidly modernizing cityscape of Bucharest. The craftsmanship visible in the woodwork suggests that this building was intended to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, catering to a clientele that valued tradition as well as modernity.

The ground floor of the building is markedly different from the upper floors, featuring a more conventional stone or plaster façade with arched openings that house the entrances and shop windows. This contrast between the ground and upper floors highlights the building's dual function as both a commercial and residential or office space. The ground floor is designed to engage directly with the street, drawing in pedestrians and creating a lively commercial environment, while the upper floors, with their extensive windows, provide a more private, yet still visually connected, space.

Another notable feature of the building is its integration into the surrounding urban fabric. Despite its unique façade, the building maintains the same height and general proportions as the adjacent structures, ensuring that it does not dominate the street but instead complements the overall rhythm and scale of the area. This sensitivity to the existing urban context is a hallmark of successful urban architecture, allowing new or distinctive buildings to add character to an area without disrupting its historical continuity.

The building's roofline is relatively simple, with a low-pitched roof that is not immediately visible from the street. This roof design helps to minimize the building's vertical impact, further enhancing its integration into the street's architectural ensemble. The simplicity of the roof also contrasts with the intricate detailing of the wooden façade, drawing attention to the craftsmanship and design of the building's most striking feature.

In terms of architectural style, the building at Selari 13-15 can be classified as eclectic, with a strong influence of traditional Romanian architectural elements. The eclectic style was popular in Bucharest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as architects sought to create buildings that reflected the city’s growing cosmopolitanism while also expressing a national identity. This building embodies that spirit, combining modern urban design with references to traditional forms and materials.

The wooden façade, with its large windows and delicate framing, also suggests an influence from the Art Nouveau movement, which was characterized by its use of organic forms, intricate detailing, and an emphasis on craftsmanship. While not as overtly ornamental as some Art Nouveau buildings, the careful attention to detail in the woodwork and the emphasis on natural materials align with the principles of the movement.

The overall composition of the building is both balanced and dynamic. The repetitive rhythm of the windows and the uniformity of the wooden façade create a sense of order and coherence, while the contrast between the wooden upper floors and the more solid ground floor adds visual interest and variety. This balance between uniformity and variation is another characteristic of successful urban architecture, where buildings must be both harmonious with their surroundings and distinct enough to contribute to the area’s architectural diversity.

From a functional perspective, the building’s design is well-suited to its location in a busy commercial district. The large windows not only provide ample natural light for the upper floors but also create a sense of openness and connection to the street below, enhancing the building's appeal as a place for both living and working. The ground floor’s design, with its accessible entrances and visible shop fronts, supports its role as a commercial space, ensuring that it contributes to the vibrant street life of the Lipscani area.

In conclusion, the building at Selari 13-15 is a notable example of early 20th-century urban architecture in Bucharest, combining elements of traditional Romanian architecture with modern urban design. Its distinctive wooden façade, extensive glazing, and careful integration into the surrounding urban fabric make it a standout structure in the Lipscani district. The building reflects the eclectic architectural trends of its time, blending references to national identity with modern functionality and aesthetics. As such, it serves as a valuable piece of Bucharest’s architectural heritage, embodying the city’s historical layers and its ongoing evolution as a dynamic urban center.

## Specialiști
**Arhitectură:** Constantin Joja (restaurare 1970)

Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/selari-13-15