Taking place within the context of the 2023 Architecture Stocktaking exhibition, the series of lectures and a round table organised by the Architects’ Society of Ljubljana aim at exploring architecture FOR: architecture that is socially conscious, stimulating, proactive, and sustainable. 

An architecture that is not ‘sustainable’ only as regards energy balance at the moment of handing over the property, but is proactive throughout the complete cycle of its creation and use. The architecture whose engagement is reflected in its design, the architects’ modus operandi, its materials and form, the foresighted reflection on its function, in the origin of its materials, in achieving harmony with nature, in urbanism, flexibility, endurance, as well as removal and recycling/reuse possibilities.

What kind of architecture looks ahead, instead of only seeking answers? What kind of architecture creates a better, more sustainable future, instead of only preventing deterioration and maintaining status quo?

The exhibition includes architectural lectures and student presentations held under the common title Architecture FOR.
 

Architecture FOR the Quality of Life in Old Age
Tuesday, 21 February 2023, at 17.00
Mojca Gužič Trplan
Gregor Trplan
Meta Kutin
Students: Maja Cvelbar, Tjaša Čakš

Architecture FOR A Happy Childhood
Tuesday, 7 March 2023, at 17.00
Matjaž Bolčina
Ernest Milčinovič 
Denis Rovan
Aleš Žmavc
Students: Rožle Toš, Eva Hočevar, Nika Jeromel, Monika Golob, Danijel Ilijeski, Žan Pirman

Architecture FOR the Renovation of the Housing Stock
Tuesday, 14 March 2023, at 17.00
Žiga Ravnikar, Eva Senekovič, Klara Bohinc, Andraž Keršič
Jernej Girandon
Students: seminars Glažar / Perović / Žnidaršič

Round table: Gentrification
Tuesday, 21 March 2023, at 17.00

The event will be held in Slovenian without translation.

The catalog of the overview exhibition of the members of the Association of Architects Ljubljana ARCHITEKTURA INVENTURA is available at the reception of Cankarjev dom (at the entrance to the CD Gallery) and the CD Information Center (box office) in the Maxi hallway, as well as in the CD online store.
Price: 20 EUR

How to build sustainability in space?
Whereas the characteristics and specifics of local space and environment used to indirectly dictate the method of construction, the selection of materials and their processing, the importance of localness is today “out of the equation” due to the development of modern technologies. The development of modern urban planning and building construction thus largely neglects localness while putting a great burden on the environment. In an era when awareness of our shared responsibility for the environment is internalized, new solutions are sought in architecture and spatial planning. They are reflected in new design practices, architectural designs, selection of materials and the trend towards modern approaches to renovating and constructing flexible and durable buildings.

Architecture Inventory is a traditional biennial exhibition organized by the members of the Association of Architects of Ljubljana. This year’s eleventh edition, taking place in Cankarjev dom’s Grand Reception Hall between 13 February and 23 March 2023, offers an overview of the output of the members of the Association of Architects of Ljubljana over the past two years. Over 150 architects will present 143 architectural and 13 student projects, from urban planning, architectural design and renovations of public buildings, multi-unit residential developments, single-family dwellings and interiors, as well as graphic and industrial design projects and written works on architecture. 

Architecture Inventory is the most comprehensive overview of architectural output in the country: the Association of Architects of Ljubljana, which holds the presidency of the Union of Architects’ Associations of Slovenia, has again invited participation of various Slovenian societies and visiting projects of the members of the Association of Architects of Croatia, and selected 13 architecture student projects (the Faculty of Architecture in Ljubljana).

At the previous stocktaking, we reflected on durable architecture. Since the last exhibition, in 2021, the world has changed, and so has architecture and the issues it tackles. Architecture must become actively involved in co-shaping the world and society for a viable future. The Architecture Inventory 2023 series of lectures and a round table explore “Architecture FOR”: an architecture that is socially conscious, proactive, sustainable. Architecture that is proactive in all stages of its development and life. Its engagement is reflected in its programme, the modi operandi of architects, the materials and forms, in its reflection on long-term function, the origin of materials, in achieving a harmony with nature, in urbanism, flexibility, durability, as well as the removal and recycling possibilities. 

The exhibition includes 6 architectural lectures and 6 student presentations held under the common title Architecture FOR.

Architecture FOR the Quality of Life in Old Age
Tuesday, 21 February 2023, at 17.00
Mojca Gužič Trplan
Gregor Trplan
Meta Kutin
Students: Maja Cvelbar, Tjaša Čakš

Architecture FOR A Happy Childhood
Tuesday, 7 March 2023, at 17.00
Matjaž Bolčina
Ernest Milčinovič 
Denis Rovan
Aleš Žmavc
Students: Rožle Toš, Eva Hočevar, Nika Jeromel, Monika Golob, Danijel Ilijeski, Žan Pirman

Architecture FOR the Renovation of the Housing Stock
Tuesday, 14 March 2023, at 17.00
Žiga Ravnikar, Eva Senekovič, Klara Bohinc, Andraž Keršič
Jernej Girandon
Students: seminars Glažar / Perović / Žnidaršič

Round table: Gentrification
Tuesday, 21 March 2023, at 17.00

Boštjan Gombač, multiple instruments; Sašo Vollmaier, piano
(Slovenia)

An unusual artist duo, Gombi and Leri established a musical partnership with a concert featured as part of the 1na1 series (SiTi theatre). At the Jazz Festival Ljubljana, the two musicians will share their experiences with children, presenting their perspective on music and improvisation through different music genres.

For the 15^th consecutive year, the Association for the Protection of Wood of Slovenia and the Wood Council are promoting wood and wood products. Products made of wood contribute the most to reducing the emission (they act as a sink) of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which is essential for controlling climate change and protecting the environment. That is why wood as a biomaterial is at the forefront of the EU's economic policy, which will aim to promote a green local economy in the coming years.

The exhibited products will be displayed at Cankarjev dom until Sunday, 21 May 2023.

To commemorate World Bee Day and the eleventh anniversary of urban beekeeping on the roof of Cankarjev dom the “3D kranjica”, a scale model of the worker bee Apis mellifera carnica, the Slovenian indigenous Carniolan bee, is on view in the Grand Reception Hall in cooperation with the Beekeeping Association of Slovenia.

The model is 3D-printed and has more than 90% morphological similarity to a real worker bee. The model is based on a real-life Carniolan honeybee, accurately imaged down to the micron using a Micro CT scanner. The model is made in the ratio 1 : 100 and measures 170 cm in length. The model combines moving parts of a bee's body and nine animations in Slovenian and English.
The scale model of Carniolan honeybee was created to celebrate Slovenia's EU Council Presidency and was also a hit with the visitors to the Slovenian pavilion at the Expo in Dubai, where it was seen by almost a million people. From the Dubai exhibition, the giant model has travelled to Cankarjev dom, where it will be on display in the Grand Reception Hall until 20 April. This is its first presentation in Slovenia.
The project is Slovenian in its entirety: 3D Carniolan Bee is a product of Slovenian knowledge. The Beekeeping Association of Slovenia (ČZS) realised it in cooperation with the Slovenian company Intri d.o.o. and designer Nina Oman. Boštjan Noč, President of the Beekeeping Association of Slovenia (ČZS), initiated the project and contributed its conceptual design, and its project manager was Marko Borko (ČZS). Expert reviewers of animations: Andreja Kandolf Borovšak, PhD, Peter Kozmus, PhD, Nataša Lilek, PhD, and Tomaž Malec.

The 3D Carniola Bee project has been funded with support from the Public Advisory Service in Beekeeping.

Bees are the pollinators of most plants and an important part of the natural balance and existence of life on Earth. They have been coexisting with culture on the roof of Cankarjev dom for eleven years, making CD one of the first urban beekeepers in Slovenia. Cankarjev dom's honey is of high quality and is certified as Slovenian honey with a protected geographical indication.
Cankarjev dom is a member of Ljubljana’s Bee Path, a project launched in 2015 by the Municipality of Ljubljana.   
More about urban beekeeping at Cankarjev dom >>

Novinarska konferenca Društva oblikovalcev Slovenije bo 10.2.2022 ob 10. uri v Veliki sprejemni dvorani CD

This year's biennial exhibition of the Designers Society of Slovenia examines the role of design in today’s consumer society and raises some provocative questions. Are we aware of the fact that everything around us has been designed? How to determine the design quality of objects, services, spaces and environments faced with an unlimited range of choices? How to understand the difference between quality and quantity? What is the relationship between the consumer and designer?

Our developed society is inundated with hyperproduction, unlimited options and favourable conditions for consumption, all of which severely hampers our ability to make informed choices. The way out of this vicious circle, however, is only possible through a conscious decision based on a broader reflection. The DESIGN KONSUM exhibition addresses the visitor/user directly and offers them new options.

The exhibition seeks to encourage contemporary consumer society to engage in critical reflection and give careful thought to the importance of its own quality design, to evaluating good design and placing it firmly in our daily lives. Design consumption constitutes a filter that helps us choose a better solution. Rather than cheap products of dubious production we should use what is on our plates, so to speak. This will be a sustainable and long-term investment. In choosing quality design each individual consumer can influence our common future. 

Priority is given to deciding in favour of quality living, local knowhow, short supply routes, quality and environmentally friendly production, green and sustainable solutions, organic and degradable, recycled from natural, harmless materials and, last but not least, aesthetically sophisticated and user-friendly design. These are the challenges of contemporary design. 

The layout of the exhibition has been designed as a longitudinal composition, consisting of a long table with place settings of design plates. On a plate, a large disk containing the print of a particular product or graphics, the consumer is now served quality design.

Damijan Stepančič is the author of the illustrations for the comic book Pod svobodnim soncem based on Fran Saleški Finžgar's historical novel Under the Free Sun. In perceptively adapting this patriotic novel, Goran Vojnović has accomplished his aim of dynamic dramaturgy, while the accompanying text was written by Prof. Dr. Janez Bogataj, F.S. Finžgar’s great-nephew. 

Illustrator Damijan Stepančič tackled the comic book ambitiously, capturing the narrative’s climactic scenes, underscoring their monumentality with his proficient artistic style, while sensitively focusing on the artistic elements that build the characters. The challenging feat resulted in a comprehensive, fascinating and inspiring 150-page graphic novel. It tells the story of our ancient grandfathers, the settlement of the Slavs in the Balkan Peninsula when they still lived freely, unsubjugated, under the free sun.

While placing innovative spotlight on (in particular) Stepančič's illustrations, the exhibition also delves into the novel's creation and traces its history with an emphasis on previous illustrations. There will be four guided tours with commentary (two with Damijan Stepančič, one with Goran Vojnović and one with Dr. Janez Bogataj).

Modern Europe and its neighbouring countries are based on ideas and values that were formed and established during the era of Renaissance and the great humanists. The “Europe – Legacy of the Humanists” exhibition presents not only well-known scholars and thinkers who lived between the 15th and 18th centuries, but also less renowned humanists and their female counterparts working in the shadow of their contemporaries. All these influential characters, their concepts and values had a lasting effect on today's Europe and the ideals of the European Union. The exhibition can be considered as a ‘who’s who’ of names that take credit for the birth of European values.

EU countries included in the exhibition:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, UK, Germany, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Czech Republic, Sweden, Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Switzerland and Slovenia.

The texts about the Slovenian representatives have been authored by Prof. Dr. Marko Štuhec, whose choice includes an extremely famous humanist and a lesser-known one, Primož Trubar and Avguštin Prygl.

In accordance with the measures adopted to contain the spread of COVID-19 epidemic Cankarjev dom has cancelled or rescheduled all events, exhibitions reopened.

More about cancelled or postponed events >>


The biennial exhibition of members of the Architects’ Society of Ljubljana, held at Cankarjev dom with great success since 2000, gives a comprehensive two-year overview of Slovenia’s architectural scene, whilst the exhibited architectural achievements provide unique solutions to new societal challenges. At the same time, Architecture – Stocktaking is the most important showcase of contemporary Slovenian architecture. The exhibition does not only display the architectural innovations and buildings constructed over the past two years, but also the attitude of political and economic sectors to architecture, as well as the interest of the wider public in building development: what is the orientation of Slovenian architecture, how many open competitions have been realized, how many public buildings were erected, how many newly-constructed houses were designed by architects, etc.

Architecture is a global phenomenon. Not only today, in a time of widespread globalisation, but since time immemorial. However, architecture takes shape locally, in the environment from which we originate and in which we primarily work. Therefore, our architecture bears the mark of historical circumstances, tradition, climate, education and the mindset from which it emerged.

The world is changing with the pandemic. How does architecture respond to changes? One of the realizations is that people, regardless of their cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs, need an open, well-organized and landscaped public space, good public transport, as well as accessible and first-rate medical care. We have also leant that fascination with form not born out of quality content is completely passé. This year’s exhibition displays projects implemented before the outbreak of the novel virus. Nevertheless, the accompanying programme, lectures and talks will be dedicated to the flexibility and values of new architectural insights – to undoubtedly feature at the 2023 Stocktaking.

The showcased works of Society members and student are selected by a special committee, the project is organized by Marinka Škrilec Lukač, Sonja Miculinić is responsible for the layout and Nena Gabrovec for the design. The exhibition catalogue serves as an excellent document of Slovenia’s biennial architectural output.