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Multifunctional space
  • Nomination for the “Interior Space Architecture / Corporate and Retail Space Design” section

Multifunctional space

Authors: arh. Andreea Maria Marinescu
Firm: ANDREEA MARINESCU ARHITECTURĂ

Collaborators:
Colaboratori arhitectură: stud.arh. Claudia Gușatu, stud.arh. Andrei Popescu
Structure project: Concept Structure
Builder: Elef SuperConstruct / Valentin Botog
Client: Nicolae Dașoveanu
Finisaje: Osmyum, Publimpres / Tudor Migia, Aluco / Călin Aldica
Iluminat: Profilistled
Photo: Vlad Pătru

Authors’ Comment

The architectural intervention involves the rehabilitation and extension of a house built in the interwar period, in the central area of Bucharest, less than 150 meters from Victoriei Square.

From the outset, functional freedom was encouraged by the client, whereby no particular function was imposed, in the idea of flexibility and spatial adaptability so useful to a rental-based economic scenario. The unprecedented situation that has marked the last two years has led to the lax design brief to help us imagine a space that can accommodate a variety of functions.

Despite the compact appearance of the volume, which opens outwards with two large apertures through which the main space can be perceived, the interior is spatially complex. The built-up floor area of about 80 m is divided in two by the staircase, a generous main space and a secondary space of reduced size and height.

Developed on three levels towards the street and four levels at the back of the lot, the building's spaces are successively traversed by means of access via the generous main staircase. In addition to its role of segmentation by its very position, this staircase becomes an architectural promenade.

The route to the generous upstairs terrace gradually reveals the spaces of the house, materials, textures and details that have been precisely implemented. The terrace at floor level somewhat replicates the surface area of the courtyard on the ground, with plans for a green garden in the future. The structure of the house is expressed with sincerity, and the wall enclosures with reclaimed brickwork also represent the final finish.

The ground floor of the new addition relates to the basement of the old house by means of a staircase inserted between the two volumes, a premeditated architectural gesture necessary to create minimal separation and spacing, which allows the architectural image of the old house to be preserved, as well as allowing natural light into its spaces on the upper levels.