There is something very Art Deco in the triangular shape of the small, Juliette type, balconies adorning this Bucharest apartment house. They resemble the chevron patterns so peculiar to the Art Deco style. I very much like the general proportions and stern aspect of the building with its essential stylistic features and character. I am, on the other hand, disappointed by the aggressive renovation performed recently by ignorant proprietors, which diminished the visual value of this edifice, such as the ugly new plastic frame double gazing windows that replaced the original Art Deco ones and a strident and unbalanced colour scheme. This is just one example of a phenomenon of epidemic proportions, perpetrated by a generally poorly educated and uninformed public in matters of architectural heritage, which has already altered or destroyed a large proportion of Bucharest’s beautiful old buildings.
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I endeavor through this daily series of daily articles to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural history and 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 sourcing 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 