A+U Nº 462. ARCHITECTURE IN CROATIA AND SLOVENIA. ( DEKLEVA, ENOTA, OFIS ARHITEKTI)

This issue of A+U introduces the work of nine offices in Croatia and Slovenia. In contrast to regions where the news is dominated by spectacular commissions, the architectural scene in these countries is characterised by skillful reinterpretations from architects whose work is firmly rooted in the climate, landscape, traditions and lifestyles of their homelands. Accompanied throughout by short essays, colour photographs, plans and elevations, this number features such works as; Sadar Vuga Arhitekti's Apartment House Gradaska, Ljubljana; The Hotel Sotelia and the Termalija, both in Podcetrtek, by Enota; Ofis Arhitekti's apartment complex in Izola; and, STUDIO UP's Gymnasium 46s09'N/16s50'E, Koprivnica. Feature: Architecture in Croatia and Slovenia Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991. Located on theBalkan Peninsula and surrounded by countries such as Italy,Austria, and Hungary, they have had politically and culturallycomplex histories. Independence brought both new hope forthe young states and painful readjustments amid the transitionto new economic and social systems. Against this background,young architects have set out on a journey in which they arecoming to terms with new realities as they work to define newcore domains for culture and society. This issue introduces the work of nine offices in Croatia and Slovenia. In contrast to regions where the news is dominatedby spectacular commissions to international star architects,the architectural scene here is characterized by skillfulreinterpretations from architects who are firmly rooted in theclimate, landscape, traditions, and lifestyles of their homelands.Important contributions are expected from them toward thedevelopment of their countries. Slovenia became a member of the European Union in 2004 andCroatia is a candidate aiming to join in 2010. This will open upa wider stage to these architects and bring a further evolution intheir work as they cooperate with architects from other counties.Already featured in numerous journals and exhibitions, thearchitecture of Croatia and Slovenia is now poised to become aforce on the global stage. Essay: Contemporary Croatian Architecture Experiment and Pragmatism Maroje Mrdulja Randi-Turato Arhitekti Elementary School Fran Krsto Frankopan Pope John Paul II Hall njiri+ arhitekti Medo Brundo Kindergarten 3LHD Sports/City Hall Bale J2 House STUDIO UP GYMNASIUM 4609'N/1650'E Essay: Crossbreeding Matev elik bevk perovi arhitekti House D House SB Ofis Arhitekti Apartments on the Coast Shopping Roof Apartments Tetris Apartments Enota Termalija Hotel Sotelia dekleva gregori arhitekti XXS House Metal Recycling Plant Sadar Vuga Arhitekti Apartment House Gradaka