Exhibition delves into architect Edvard Ravnikar's designing of Republic Square
Ljubljana, 30 November - An exhibition on the thought process behind architect Edvard Ravnikar's (1907-1993) grand project, Republic Square in Ljubljana, opened on Wednesday in the foyer gallery of the square-adjacent NLB tower, also the architect's brainchild.
Titled Method, Shape, Material, the exhibition shows how Ravnikar designed the capital's main square, located opposite the parliament building and featuring the architect's twin skyscrapers, the NLB tower and the TR3.
The exhibition is part of the cycle of events held this year as Slovenia celebrates Ravnikar Year, paying homage to the internationally-acclaimed architect, who was a student of Jože Plečnik (1872-1957) and is Slovenia's leading post-war architect.
It showcases Ravnikar's designing process, spanning several years, which includes plans for Republic Square and the Cankarjev Dom arts centre.
Ravnikar considered progress an extension of tradition and at the same time viewed tradition as preserved progress, said the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture Miha Demšar at the opening. He added that this viewpoint stimulates reflection on the connection between theory, urbanism, architecture, the young and old, the future and the past.
Several exhibitions dedicated to the architect are currently being displayed in Ljubljana; two in Cankarjev Dom and one in the TR3 Gallery, while another one is opening on Thursday at the Museum of Architecture and Design.
The exhibition at the NLB tower, running until next spring, is an examination and reflection of Ravnikar's methods, of the way he approached design plans for a public space, and of how he understood this space, said Rok Žnidaršič, assistant professor at the Faculty of Architecture, and one of Ljubljana's deputy mayors.
The exhibition was set up in cooperation with the NLB Bank and the Faculty of Architecture in Ljubljana.