The study of architecture dekleva gregorič architects has designed this brick neighborhood in Ljubljana, located on a former factory of bricks from the one that has taken conceptual and physically the material that was producing.

A residential complex composed by 5 buildings and a landscape environment has been the design proposed for dekleva gregoric architects to obtain 185 housings organized in 17 different plants and several common zones. The main material they have used is the brick, in memory of a former factory that was in the same position in that one finds the neighborhood.

Description of project by dekleva gregorič architects

How to establish a clear spatial, material and social identity of the neighbourhood? This question was the basic principle when developing the design of objects and their surroundings in terms of deeper connection of future residents with their living environment.

The concept of the 3D erosion is resulting from the critique of the existing master plan with generic volumes in terms of size and height and their arbitrary position. This concept of sub-structuring of the volume is further reflected in the material expression: the initial envelope is defined with the brick layer and the cut-outs with balconies in render.

The selection of bricks as a preliminary material derived from the memory of the brickyard which used to be on-site. Furthermore the bricks provide an opportunity as means of expression for additional micro-structuring of the facade surface. The material manipulation allows for a unique identity thus significant for the future community.

A clear systematic approach to the organisation of 185 dwellings was developed to allow for an array of 17 diverse flat types differentiated in terms of size and internal arrangement in order to address different needs of future residents. The position of the structure, installation and internal organisation of the flats with the backbone service stripe enables the internal flexibility - the diverse set of room distribution either as one large unified space or a set of smaller rooms. The system allows joining of smaller flats or separating of larger units, before, during and after the construction.

Communications are naturally illuminated from two sides, in this way a corridor becomes a place of meeting. Social interaction is upgraded by placing a shared common space above each building’s entrance. They provide the possibility for birthday parties, indoor playgrounds for wintery months, gym or any other activity.

On communal spaces’ glazing there are poems of Slovenian poets written. Each communal space, each residential community is literary enriched by the chosen poet. This contextual and semantic upgrade of the architecture allows the resident extra identification with his living environment and at the same time enriches cultural awareness of inhabitants. »We are living at Tone Pavček, next door entrance to Prešeren.«

Text.- dekleva gregorič architects

CREDITS. TECHNICAL SHEET.-

Architects.- dekleva gregorič architects.
Competition team.- Aljoša Dekleva, Tina Gregorič, Lea Kovič, Flavio Coddou.
Project team.- Aljoša Dekleva, Tina Gregorič, Lea Kovič, Martina Marčan, Andi Koder, Tea Smrke,  Daniel Schwartz, Simon Vrščaj.
Collaborators.- Landscape and greenery.- bruto d.o.o.
Number of buildings.- 5.
Number of entrances.- 7.
Number of apartments.- 185.
Area.- 20,185 sqm.
Dates.- 2005-2014.
Client.- SSRS–National Housing Trust.

Read more
Read less

More information

dekleva gregoric architects was set up by Aljoša Dekleva (b.1972) and Tina Gregorič (b.1974) in 2003 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It is an international architecture studio, operating both in the EU and the USA.

Both founders received their postgraduate Master’s degrees in Architecture with Distinction from the renowned Architectural Association in London, where they initiated their research on participation, responsive environments, and mass customisation. They later documented this research in their acclaimed book Negotiate My Boundary!

Their studio design philosophy revolves around “research by design” and “design by research,” encompassing various modes (spatial, social, material, historical, etc.), different scales and programs, as well as diverse climates and localities. Understanding the specific constraints and conditions of the context serves as the fundamental generative tool, aiming to challenge the obvious and offer specific responses. They utilise a systematic design approach to establish an intense structuring of space and to challenge the use of materials by exposing their primary natures. Prioritising user experience, participation, and interaction, the studio fosters new forms of collectivity and customisation while addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges. Their portfolio spans diverse typologies, from experimental houses to large affordable housing neighbourhoods, university campuses, public buildings, and cultural institutions.

Key projects include the XXS House (2004), Clifftop House in Maui (2012), Compact Karst House (2015), Science Centre (2019), Affordable Housing in Novo Brdo (2022), and the Pavilion of Slovenia for Expo Osaka (2024). These projects have received prestigious accolades such as the Architizer and WAN House of the Year awards, the AR House Award 2015, the WALLPAPER* award for Best Breakthrough Designers, as well as nominations for the Mies van der Rohe and Swiss architectural awards, and the recent 2024 Buildner Unbuild Award. Their work has been celebrated worldwide for redefining tradition, materiality, and sustainability.

Besides their architectural practice, Aljosa and Tina play a significant role in architectural education. Tina holds the position of Full Professor of Architecture and Chair at the Institute of Architecture, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien). Aljosa is the Programme Head for the AA Nanotourism Visiting School at the Architectural Association in London. In 2019, they both served as the Frank Gehry International Visiting Chairs in Architectural Design at the University of Toronto. They lead research initiatives like nanotourism, which offers a participatory, community-oriented alternative to conventional tourism, and actively lecture and exhibit worldwide. As curators of the Slovenian Pavilion at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, they addressed critical issues of home and dwelling with Home at Arsenale, a curated library and site-specific spatial installation exploring the concept of home in contemporary society.

Read more
Published on: March 10, 2015
Cite: "Brick Neighbourhood by dekleva gregorič architects" METALOCUS. Accessed
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/brick-neighbourhood-dekleva-gregoric-architects> ISSN 1139-6415
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...
Loading content ...