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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Renovation of the Bank of Slovenia in Ljubljana by SADAR + VUGAOctober 5th, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: SADAR + VUGA The renovation of the Bank of Slovenia’s central lobby was designed at a student workshop at Ljubljana’s Faculty of Architecture. The project was executed by SADAR+VUGA in close collaboration with the initial student design team. Bank of Slovenia’s headquarters are located on Slovenska Boulevard. The portal of the 1920s building is adorned by two mighty Atlants. Behind this impressive entrance is the central lobby of the Bank of Slovenia.  Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič
 Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič Before the reconstruction it had the character of a publicly accessible, monofunctional bank hall: it hosted cashier desks and a mailroom. Despite its central location and formidable size, it was in no condition to host protocolar events. A complex programmatic and spatial reconstruction made the lobby an interactive space, intended mainly for the Bank’s employees. Here they can meet, work, socialise or greet their guests. The flexible design envisions both formal and informal usage, which is why the lobby becomes a strong identification point for its daily users as well as for the institution of the Bank of Slovenia.  Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič The space is designed to provide the employees with a more relaxed, diverse and interactive work environment and at the same time create a protocolar space for Bank’s official events. Combining the two created a space which offers strong identification for the employees as well as for the institution.  Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič The monofunctional space became a frame within which several ambients and programs were layered. The new programmatic sections, incorporated in the niches, intertwine in a club-like ambient without strict programmatic boundaries. A soft curtain, that allows the users to regulate the level of intimacy, is the only physical boundary of the space.  Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič Library is placed next to the south openings; adjacent to it is a small self-service bar. Both are separated from the main area by a glass wall. Library’s program is complemented by the reading room, and café extends into a lounge area. Three meeting rooms are placed on the opposite side of the lobby. Closing the curtain separates them from the main space and thus ensures privacy for informal meetings and workshops. Service spaces are placed at the back of the lobby, their walls upholstered with rich blue textile that gives depth to the space.  Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič The lobby is furnished with a comfortable armchair Triglav, developed for this project. The new areas intentionally recreate a living room-like environment, where the employees can feel comfortalbe and at ease. Warm and soft materials, like textile (curtains, flooring, upholstery) and wood (celiling lamellas), are chosen. The area is ambientally lit. Blue, green and golden tones are complemented by neutral furniture in dark matte and reflective tones.  Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič The central, triple height area, is in contrast with the warm and ambiental surroundings. Its classical architecture is accentuated with stone cladding and a monochromatic palette, which makes it a perfect setting for protocolar events. The central space can be separated from other programes by enclosing the curtains around its perimeter.  Image Courtesy © Miran Kambič The lobby’s main feature is a mighty chandelier, which – with its circular form and silver and gold materiality – simbolizes a coin as a representative image of the national bank. The ‘levitating coin’ is made of a metal truss, lined with satinated tin in two shades, suspended from steel cables and mounted into the walls. The chandelier centers the programmatically mixed lobby and creates a solemn atmosphere appropriate for the events it holds.  Image Courtesy © SADAR + VUGA  Image Courtesy © SADAR + VUGA
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Categories: Cafe, Conference Center, Library, Lobby, Mixed use, Renovation |
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