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Temporary Spaces for Slovenian National Theatre Drama

· Ljubljana, Slovenia

A transformative architectural intervention in Ljubljana, turning a former industrial site into a vibrant cultural hub for the Slovenian National Theatre Drama.

Modern white building with a sloped roof, featuring a circular entrance overhang, staircase, and young trees.
A modern building with a simple, white facade and a sloped roof. The entrance features a circular overhang and a staircase with metal railings. There are young trees planted nearby, and the word 'DRAMA' is visible on the side of the building.
exterior
Modern white building with a sloped roof, featuring a circular entrance overhang, staircase, and young trees.Modern building with white textured facade, ramp, stairs, and 'MALA DRAMA' sign.Exterior of a building with a 'DRA' sign, featuring a textured facade and a ramp, with trees and an industrial building in the background.Exterior view of the Slovenian National Theatre Drama in Ljubljana with large text on the facade and a red carpet at the entrance.Exterior view of a modern building with glass windows and a metal panel, set in a concrete courtyard with a tree.Modern building with glass panels and metal roof, featuring a staircase.Building entrance with corrugated metal awning and translucent panels.Rooftop view with slanted metal structure and translucent panel.Modern structure with angled metal panels and nearby trees next to an industrial building.Staircase with metal railings and textured wall, small tree visible.Minimalist interior with light walls and floors, green seating, and a metal counter.Interior of a modern space with silver walls, red chairs, metal railings, and exposed ceiling beams.Interior with concrete column, textured walls, metallic door, and red curtains.Interior of a theater with red curtains and carpet, showing a doorway leading to a wooden seating area.Interior wooden structure with staircase and illuminated cubicles, sign 'VELIKI ODER'.Interior view of a wooden structure with a staircase and a counter, illuminated by soft lighting.Interior of a modern space with wooden and concrete structures, featuring stairs and a bar area.Interior space with silver curtains, circular light fixture, and red chairs in front of light brick walls.Interior with silver curtains and a cylindrical structure with red curtains.Interior room with silver reflective walls, red curtain entrance, and minimal seating.Interior space with silver curtains, pendant lights, and a bench.Interior of a theater with rows of seats and a stage equipped with a piano, chairs, and a table. Overhead lighting and rigging are visible.Theater stage with black walls, lighting equipment, and chairs on the stage.Interior space with circular ceiling light, vintage chairs and tables, and silver curtain.Interior of a bar area with circular lighting, various chairs and tables, and a bar counter with textured walls and exposed ceiling beams.Diagram illustrating the phases of architectural interventions from 2020 to 2024, transforming an industrial building into a public facility with labeled sections like office, backstage, multipurpose hall, and auditorium.Architectural diagram showing the layout of a theatre complex with labeled sections including administration office, outside courtyard, small theatre, foyer, main stage, terrace, and theatre bar.Site plan of a complex with labeled employee entrances, grand theatre, and small stage.Floor plans of a theatre complex with labeled sections including entrance, foyer, ticket office, cloakroom, main stage, and additional facilities.Architectural section drawings showing different sections of a building labeled A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D, and E-E.

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Temporary Spaces for Slovenian National Theatre Drama

A transformative cultural hub in Ljubljana

The Temporary Spaces for the Slovenian National Theatre Drama in Ljubljana is a striking example of adaptive reuse, breathing new life into a former industrial site from the 1960s. Designed by Vidic Grohar Arhitekti, this project transforms an uninviting area into a vibrant cultural destination, effectively expanding the city center and promoting social inclusivity.

The project unfolds in phases, starting with the creation of a multipurpose hall in 2022 and culminating in a temporary home for the theatre in 2024. Spanning 4000 m², the design employs recycled and reusable materials, such as textile curtains and CLT wood, to minimize waste and carbon footprint. The architecture balances temporary and permanent interventions, using durable materials like visible concrete and clay blocks painted with a reflective silver finish.

The first phase introduced a 'thick wall' backstage and a 'zigurat' entrance, transforming a former car park into a multi-purpose hall. The second phase added a temporary theatre tribune with 361 seats, articulating the space into a sequence of engaging areas, including the main foyer and Grand Theatre Hall.

Design Highlights

  • Adaptive reuse of a 1960s industrial hall

  • Phased transformation into a cultural hub

  • Use of recycled and reusable materials

  • Combination of temporary and permanent architectural elements

  • Silver-painted bricks for visual and thermal properties

Key Facts

Detail Description
Architect Vidic Grohar Arhitekti
Location Ljubljana, Slovenia
Year of Completion 2024
Area 4000 m²
Client L56 d.o.o.

Programs

CulturalRecreationalTheatre

Categories

Adaptive ReuseArchitectureCultural

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