The Double Standard on Housing in Bucharest’s Building Regulations from the Late 19th to Early 20th Century
The Double Standard on Housing in Bucharest’s Building Regulations from the Late 19th to Early 20th Century

Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates how the building regulations of Bucharest from the late 19th and early 20th centuries established preferential standards for housing based on the social class it was intended for. A situation that lies between extremes but is highly relevant for illustrating a double standard is the case of spaces designated for domestic staff (or women) within privileged (and later middle-class) residences. This space, which differs from the representative rooms, will be referred to as minor space, intrinsically representative of a minority society. It is identified as distinct but complementary housing functions, whether detached, attached, or within the building (outbuildings, kitchens, annexes, servant quarters, etc.). The study aims to place the concept of minor space within a broader context, highlighting its permanent state of inferiority compared to the main living spaces but still superior to unsanitary housing, a predominant issue in the city until the mid-20th century. By consulting technical control tools and administrative reports, the study observes the evolving attitudes towards this type of space. The results identify a set of spatial constraints that contribute to depicting social inequality between minor space, privileged housing, and unsanitary dwellings during a period marked by successive city growth, intensified industrialisation, and increasing demand for living space. The complexity and regulation of these spaces influence the city’s urban development, representing the boundary of norms, often targeted for application yet most resistant to it.

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