Round table discussion on Architectural Photography

In Slovenian, without translation.

A round table discussion on architectural photography, organised by the Architects’ Society of Ljubljana, will take place as part of the accompanying programme to the exhibition Sosedske sorodnosti / Le Affinità di confine / Border Affinities. The discussion will address the current state of architectural photography – a subgenre now positioned between the documentation of built architecture, digital visualisations, and the absence of systematic archiving of photographic collections.

The event will raise questions about the fundamental role of architectural photography: is it primarily a form of representation, interpretation, or critical reflection on space? What role does photography play in establishing the canon of contemporary architecture, and how does it shape perceptions of architectural history? While granting visibility and legitimacy to current spatial practices, architectural photography can – through framing, lighting, and contextual choices – produce partial or even misleading images of specific historical periods.

The discussion will also examine questions of authorship, the relationship between architect and photographer, the influence of media and social networks on image production, and the challenges of long-term preservation and accessibility of architectural archives. Particular emphasis will be placed on the responsibility of institutions and professional platforms in establishing systematic collections that enable future research and critical interpretations of space.

Panellists: 
Miran Kambič, architectural photographer
An architect and architectural photographer who systematically documents contemporary and historical architecture in Slovenia and abroad. Kambič’s photographs have been published in numerous professional journals and featured in exhibitions, books, and catalogues.

Jana Jocif, architectural photographer
Trained as an architect, Jocif works professionally as a photographer. A significant part of her practice is devoted to architecture and cultural heritage, and she regularly contributes to professional publications. Her work explores the relationship between photography, memory, and the transience of space.

Urban Petranovič, architect, architectural visualiser, and photographer
Co-founder and partner at Arhitekti Počivašek Petranovič, an internationally recognised architectural firm, where he works as a designer, architectural visualiser, and photographer. He produces architectural visualisations for numerous Slovenian and international practices.

Tadej Bolta, architect and architectural & reportage photographer
An architect who, alongside his design practice, works in architectural and reportage photography, with a particular interest in documenting space through travel, landscape, and everyday use. His work combines architectural knowledge, spatial exploration, and field experience, resulting in visual narratives about the built environment across diverse cultural contexts.

Lenka Kavčič, architect, curator, and director of the Open House Slovenia Festival
An architect with experience in curating, spatial policy, and the management of architectural and cultural programmes. She is the founder of the AFRONT Institute and director of the Open House Slovenia Festival, which systematically promotes contemporary Slovenian architecture. She has also served as State Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning and as a visiting professor at the Politecnico di Milano.

Maja Vardjan, curator and director of the Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO)
An architect and curator who has been researching Slovenian architectural and design heritage, as well as contemporary creative practices, at the Museum of Architecture and Design since 2013. Appointed director of MAO in 2024, she develops research, exhibition, and archival programmes dedicated to architecture and design.

The discussion will be moderated by architect Andraž Lorger.