Architects’ Ball

The National Military Circle seems to me the most appropriate building chosen for the Architects' Ball. It is a glory of the architecture of its time (and times), the glory of the Army, the glory of the Victory Way, a treasure trove of collective and private memories, including two other Architects' Balls.

For me, the Cercle Militaire evokes a primordial event: in 1937, at a ball, a young lieutenant invited to dance with the woman who was to become his wife and my mother.

For those who were and for those who were not at this year's Ball, I take note:

An elegant treat, at round tables of 10, such as only classy restaurants can afford to keep in reserve furniture for such occasions. In "common" restaurants, square or rectangular tables are favored, as they can easily be grouped into various shapes as desired.

A jazz "combo" - keyboards, guitar, saxophone, trumpet, vocalist-guitarist - tirelessly performed a very appropriate and well-sung "rhythm and blues" repertoire. Singing in this style is a recipe that never fails (it's a style rich in songs, universal and enjoyed by everyone), but it was excellently prepared.

A semi-Italian vocalist of uncertain age, with dyed hair, suited the average age in the ballroom, which hovered around 50. For all the general impression of senescence, the ring was full, trained by two superb pairs from the "Contesina" (sic) dance school. The ring was even populated with a horde (rather out of place, like the generative song "Peasant with pe peach pears in her cheeks..." etc. - all that was missing was to shout "darul") savored by young ladies in long dresses, of course from the "facebook" generation, devoid of complexes and conformism. Who knows, has the name 'Ball' become obsolete?

The raffle offered by the main sponsor - DAAS - was won by Professor Ion Lucăcel (family rumors say that he is the lucky winner of all raffles), a frequent presence at our balls.

The false problem of sharing the revenue from the Architecture Stamp between the Union and the Order, evoked and invoked from outside the guild in the debates on the Cultural Stamp Law, was not even mentioned in passing in the conversations I eavesdropped on. Perhaps it wasn't the place, although any event, even a social event, is an opportunity to discuss essential issues. Many things were set up at dinners, parties or hunts... By comparison with other Creative Unions that quarrel over money, architects once again prove their elegant demeanor and display guild unity.

At one table, I spotted Mr. Iulian Țepure, in black clothes and bow tie. For those who do not know, he is an old member of the staff of the Union and then of the Order, indispensable and indispensable in the logistics and management of professional or organizational events since before the Order was founded in 2001, a connoisseur of the database, the composition of the branches and the people, an example of tenacity, politeness, modesty and self-determination.

Kind words were spoken at the opening of the ball by Mrs. President arh. Viorica Curea, by Mr. presidential adviser arh. Sergiu Nistor and Mr. President arh. Mr. Șerban Țigănaș. I will summarize an "unfinished sketch" proposed by the President of the Order: "Somewhere there were two countries: in one there were all architects and only one client - THE CLIENT. Architects organized themselves, opened exhibitions, annuals and biennials, proposed projects, but were dissatisfied not to find the "supreme project". In the other country there were all clients and only one architect - THE ARCHITECT. Clients ordered projects, but were dissatisfied with not being offered the "Ultimate Project". One night, the ARCHITECT and the CLIENT had a dream and decided to cross the border to the other country. At the border they crossed each other's paths and their eyes must have crossed. Do you want to know what happened? You'll have to come to next year's Architects' Ball to find out the sequel".

I think many will be tempted to imagine the sequel. See you at the 2016 Ball!

Photo: Mircea ȚIBULEAC