In the journey from“A big village” to “Little Paris” and continuing with modernism and communism, Bucharest developed a variety of dwelling types that explain its present variegated image. Under a closer look, we can discover patterns of living that used to be very characteristic in the city, but seem to have been lost along the way - the use for intermediary spaces. The lack of gradual transitions from the public street to the individual dwelling culminated in the communist era and also affected social behaviour. People soon became introverted and lost the notion of “public/common space”. The small events inside the rigid apartment building became the only reason binding the people together. A new food recipe could gather enthusiast neighbours around the kitchen, or a hair salon opened in a bathroom could show that the most unexpected places in a house can become the center for social expression. For the assignment, we had to choose from sixteen sites along Calea Mosilor Street. Located near the center of Bucharest, in a protected historical area, the region contains buildings from different times that marked the evolution of the city. Understanding the use of intermediary spaces, as well as the consequences of their absence, help developing a new typology of dwellings that adapts to new needs for living. Everyday activities are pushed out of the apartment opening them to social interaction. Only the bedroom, bathroom and a small area for cooking remain private, while the kitchen and dining room, living room and office etc. are all part of an open saloon, occupying most of the floor area. The public ground floor unifies the street with the construction and the back yard, which allows direct access in the neighbouring existing buildings.
Bucharest Facades Evolution in Time
Ground Floor Plan
Intermediary Spaces in Dwellings - garden - courtyard - veranda - corridor - passerella - gangway - staircase - elevator
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Building Section
Main Facade
