Brick Neighbourhood
How to establish a clear spatial, material and social identity of a neighbourhood? This question was the basic principle when developing the design of structures and their surroundings in terms of a deeper connection of future residents with their living environment.
The concept of 3D erosion results from a 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 a brick layer, and the cut-outs with balconies in render.
The selection of bricks as a preliminary material is derived from the memory of the brickyard which used to be on-site. Furthermore, bricks provide an opportunity as a means of expression for additional micro-structuring of the facade surface. Material manipulation allows for a unique identity, and is 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 the different needs of future residents. The position of the structure, installation and internal organisation of the flats with a backbone service stripe enables internal flexibility – the diverse set of rooms distributed either as one large unified space or a set of smaller rooms. The system allows the joining of smaller flats or separating of larger units, before, during and after construction.
Communications are naturally illuminated from two sides, in this way the 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.«
project name: Brick Neighbourhood
subtitle: 3D erosion to provide identity
location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
architectural office: 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
client: SSRS - National Housing Trust, public fund
source: open competition, 1. prize
master plan: LUZ d.d.
architecture: dekleva gregorič architects
landscape design: dekleva gregorič architects
landscape / greenery: bruto d.o.o.
object information
number of buildings: 5
number of entrances: 7
number of apartments: 185
floors: P+3+T and P+4+T
area: 20.185 m2
project date: 2005 – 2011
completion date: 2014
