its public plaza, but the relationship between the two changed as the interposition
of the Academy Boulevard disconnected them. The Academy Square became an
alveolus of the Boulevard and its shape and function was the subject of several
different proposals until the 1920s. The administration, and both politicians
and intellectuals wanted the square to become the cultural and educational
headquarter of Bucharest: an Academic library, study rooms, museums and
porticos were envisioned to create a unitary, symbolic environment.
Meanwhile, the Large Market became Market Halls, as it extended on both
banks of the river, whose course had been previously altered and channeled.
Metallic structures modelled after French examples were assembled in order
to better organize the merchandise.
Second Period, 1911-1946The second time band witnessed the development of theoretical practice,
which became prevalent to implementation. There was a strong desire for
culturally alligning with contemporary currents, technological breakthroughs
and theories. Professional organizations were being set up, and the period was
generally characterized by an effervescent urban and architectural research:
studies, proposals and competitions were held over the laying out of public
spaces and their respective important buildings, critiques, debates and
information were published and offered to both professional and the general
public. The development of the capital within contemporary lines and needs
was considered paramount, with, this time, a better connection between public
spaces and buildings of representation.
Fig. 4
The shaping of Victoriei
Square (left) and Catargiu
Plaza (Romana) (right) in 1899,
as transit plazas linked by
the newly traced L. Catargiu
Boulevard.
(Duda)Maria Duda