The building above, which has seen better days in the inter-war period, is a massive Neo-Romanian style house from Romania’s capital, where the main diagnostic elements for this style such as the citadel-like aspect, a fortification-like tower, monumental arched doorway, arched windows or Byzantine type ornaments are plainly visible. The modernist aspect is rendered by the clear boxy shape of its main components, delineated by clear straight horizontal and vertical lines and edgy right angle corners and also sober, discreete decoration. It is an interesting symbiosis of architectural styles at a time (1930s) when in Bucharest the modernist current became increasingly popular at the expense of the previously fashionable type of flamboyantly decorated Neo-Romanian houses, with a series of edifices such as the one presented here combining elements from both styles.
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I endeavor through this daily image series to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural heritage.
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If you plan acquiring a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in locating the property, specialist research, planning permissions, restoration project management, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 