BASIC INFORMATION
Project: Central Post Office
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Client: Business, Pošta Slovenije
Year: Invited competition, 1st place 2016
Area: 200 sqm
Authors: BAAM architects
Typology: Business spaces
Photo/Viz: Blaž Jamšek, BAAM arhitekti
DESCRIPTION
The placement of a modern, first automated 24/7 post office in a building from 1895 is a unique challenge. "Leave the ceiling, walls, and floor untouched and in no way obstruct the existing architecture" is the directive from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, on the other hand, the client's desire for modern and fresh content.
The interior of monumental Italian Renaissance architecture and on the other side, the postmodern style of colorful furniture required a different response. Separation from the theatrical background of the existing architecture is achieved with the visual contrast of powerful monochrome furniture, which respects the classical geometry of the space, and recedes from the columns so as not to obscure them. In this, the machines and the utilitarian side of the furniture are moved aside so that the user has an overview of the space, while the focus of the room remains on architecture and equipment. The play of strong and thin volumes is united under two large circles, which illuminate and emphasize the existing architecture of stuccos, colors, and articulated balconies.
The new is contemporary, respectful, and monumental.
