Union International Center

Description

Union Building – Art Deco Landmark in Central Bucharest

Union Building (originally known as Hotel Union) is one of Bucharest’s emblematic interwar landmarks, located at the intersection of Ion Câmpineanu Street and Academiei Street, in the very heart of the city.

Constructed between 1932 and 1934, the building was designed by the renowned Romanian architect Arghir Culina, a key representative of the Art Deco movement in Romania.

Architecture and Style

Designed in a modern style for its time, the building stands out through its symmetrical façades, geometric details, and balanced proportions.

Arghir Culina combined Art Deco aesthetics with early Modernist influences, resulting in a structure that conveys both elegance and solidity.

Clean lines, horizontal cornices, and continuous window arrangements define its façade, while the use of modern construction materials reflected the technological progress of the 1930s.

History and Evolution

Before the 1930s, the site hosted an inn and later a small hotel bearing the same name – Union – which inspired the building’s current identity.

Upon completion, the new Hotel Union quickly became one of the most refined establishments of interwar Bucharest, frequented by business people, diplomats, and artists.

After World War II, the building changed its function, gradually being converted into an office property while preserving its architectural charm and historic significance.

Over the decades, it has accommodated a variety of tenants, including banks, companies, and professional offices, maintaining its prestige as a central business address.

Location and Urban Context

Ideally positioned in central Bucharest, Union Building enjoys a prime location near University Square, Revolution Square, and Calea Victoriei.

It offers excellent visibility, accessibility, and proximity to major landmarks, serving as an architectural link between the city’s interwar heritage and its modern commercial core.

Restoration and Current Use

The building’s façades have been carefully preserved and restored to retain their original Art Deco character, while the interiors have been upgraded to meet the requirements of modern office standards — updated installations, flexible floor layouts, functional common areas, and improved accessibility.

Today, Union Building successfully combines historic value with modern usability, offering a unique workspace environment in the heart of Bucharest.

Conclusion

Union Building embodies the perfect blend of heritage and functionality: an architectural gem from Bucharest’s golden interwar era, thoughtfully adapted for contemporary use.

With its central location, elegant façade, and enduring prestige, it remains one of the most distinctive and historically significant buildings in the city’s urban landscape.