Lev Office Building / Andrej Kalamar

Architect: Andrej Kalamar – Studio Kalamar
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Structural Engineering: Anton Berce, IZTR
HVAC Engineering: Lenassi
Electrical Engineering: Eldata
Client: Regal d.o.o. Murska Sobota
Contractor: SGP Pomgrad d.d.
Built Area: 4,200 sqm
Budget: 2,300,000 €
Project Year: 1999-2001
Year of Construction: 2002
Photographs: Miran Kambič

Location
The building stands on the corner of the most frequented intersection in the city.

Urban context
Impact of heavy traffic, diversity of physical space.

Program
Visible part, housing offices and retail space, represents only a third of the entire structure. Below ground, three more levels accommodate parking and additional programs for the adjacent hotel.

Scheme
Protective against the impact of the intersection, the building is oriented within where, together with adjacent buildings, it forms an open atrium, a nucleus of public activities.

Information
The high-polished minimal form interacts with drivers passing by, echoing their movement. The “chromosome image” of the vertical window openings provides movement with a large scale rhythm, the layer of creased metal in two contrasting hues interacts with motion by changing colour, the outer layer of printed glass softens the volume in small scale rhythm of continuous code.