The Faculty of Architecture / Architecture (English taught)
3rd Year, sem 2, 2025-2026

IT-12E | Modern and Contemporary Architecture in Romania

Compulsory Course | Hours/Week: 2C | ECTS Credits: 3

Syllabus

Department:

History & Theory of Architecture and Heritage Conservation

Course Leader:

conf. Irina Tulbure-Moldovan

Teaching language:

English

Learning outcomes:

To understand the historical developments in architecture and the urban changes within the wider landscape of cultural, social and technological changes that took place in Romania in late 19th century until 1950;
To be able to define (according to the historical context) the dynamics of the local and national thinking and practice in architecture;
To develop a set of conceptual and visual tools in analyzing architectural heritage.

Content:

This course provides an introduction to the history of modern architecture in Romania during the second half of 19th century until 1950. In order to create a more articulate vision of the architectural phenomenon, the course will explore the broader historical and cultural context emphasizing its role in the development of the architectural thinking and practice.
The course framework takes into consideration a delimitation of the main periods that define the history of Romanian modern architecture: influences of the western architecture and the seek for a new expression during the late 19th century up until the beginning of the First World War; the variety of architectural directions and the assimilation of modernism during the Interwar period.
Nuances and exceptions within the evolution of the architecture and urban development will be discussed over the lectures, such as: the importance of the national style up until the end of the Second World War and its inner evolution; the emerge of a monumental style in the 1940s as a consequence of the political regime; the first experiences that followed the end of the Second World War.
The two main periods (1859-1918; 1918-1950) will be discussed through different approaches: the general historical context, the particular context of the professional field, the transformations of the city, architectural typologies, aesthetic directions in architecture, a particular approach focused on the career of several architects and on particular case studies.

Teaching Method:

This is mainly a lecture course (based on visual presentations) with the opportunity for questions, discussions.
For the English language group, the course is scheduled on
Mondays, 12.30-14.30, A Hall

Assessment:

WRITTEN EXAM DURING THE EXAM SESSION (The exam consist in a combination of multiple choice questions and questions with short answers. The minimum mark for exam passing is 5,00 precise.)
(including students of 4th and 5th year)

Bibliography:

BOCĂNEȚ, Anca, “Marcel Janco – Architect” in Bucharest in the 1920-1940. Between Avant – garde and Modernism, Ed. Simetria, Bucharest, 1994, pp. 97-103
CRITICOS, Mihaela, „Deco Architecture in Romania” in Art-Deco or Well-Tempered Modernism, Ed. Simetria, Bucharest, 2009, pp. 232-252: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DVaT-QCI8mPyNSkDrYS7afpC6gJKk8g8/view?usp=sharing
HITCHINS, Keith, A concise History of Romania, Cambridge University Press, 2014:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BRSJnPYV_Q3wS4Fz4jvHUUdfn-iaLU75/view?usp=drive_link
KALLESTRUP, Shona, „Cradle of the Nation? National Style Debates and Romanian Palace Design” in ANDRIEUX Jean-Yves, CHEVALLIER Fabienne & KERVANTO NEVANLINNA Anja, Ideé Nationale et Architecture En Europe 1860-1919, Presses Universitaires de Rennes, 2006, pp. 303-313
KALLESTRUP, Shona, Art and Design in Romania 1866-1927, Columbia University Press, 2006 (fragment)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CKr0yNMqf53v888UiEoQQBlrpwp5xPpk/view?usp=drive_link
MACHEDON, Luminița, MACHEDON Florin, „Modern Architecture in Romania 1920-1940” in in Bucharest in the 1920-1940. Between Avant – garde and Modernism, Ed. Simetria, Bucharest, 1994, pp. 69-90: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UYNxMyzvWx3RCiJoEv2WQUhtQ0RfFF7a/view?usp=drive_link
MACHEDON, Luminița; SCOFFHAM Ernie, Romanian Modernism, The Architecture of Bucharest 1920-1940, MIT UPress, 1999: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19jWomAiJ_NTEzEW_-5xX4Sbkrmz_JGZD/view?usp=drive_link
POPESCU CARMEN, Spațiul Modernității Românești/ The Space of Romanian Modernity, Ed. Simetria, 2011: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G2f1bk40K16tDjK9Bm2JrWJh9o8t1P8d/view?usp=drive_link
ZAHARIADE, Ana Maria, LASCU, Nicolae, “Horia Creangă’s Architecture” in Bucharest in the 1920-1940. Between Avant – garde and Modernism, Ed. Simetria, Bucharest, 1994, pp. 104-109
YEROLYMPOS, Alexandra, Urban Transformations in the Balkans (1820-1920), University Studio Press, 1996
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HGXMe_44hMOWMRPWMjDmb3M72aPRSZrp/view?usp=drive_link

Notes:

If attendance throughout the semester falls below an acceptable level, attendance evaluation will be introduced.