competion entry, first prize
Ljubljana, Slovenia
client: SNG Drama Ljubljana

project: 2017

Bevk Perović project team:
Matija Bevk
Vasa J. Perović
Samo Bojnec
Valentin Tribušon
Urban Petranovič
Mitja Usenik
Irene Salord Vila
Andrej Ukmar

The new SNG Drama Ljubljana consists of the refreshed and renewed historical building of the Drama, built in the beginning of the 20th Century, and the new production volume, which replaces the technical extension built in the 1960s. In addition to these two elements, there is also the third, equally important element, the open space around the building – the square which is being re-established, redefined, and is creating a clear urban parterre for the new Drama, giving it a clear position in the city and connects it with it.

The architectural concept is set on the basis of key premise – decisions, that mark and define the entire subsequent design:

Creating a new lobby – foyer as the central point of the new renovated Drama – an element that conceives and connects all parts, and gives the visitors a spacious multifunctional volume – a new “living room of the city”.

Creating the new square – as clearly articulated external entry surface, which connects the old house with the new extension and creates an appropriate outer space for the two.

Establishing a clear relation between the foyer in the basement and the theatre stages – The Mala Drama (small Drama stage) is being realised at the level of the main foyer and in such way connects with the common “gala” space. The practice stage rises to the above-ground part of the production facility, which allows it direct connection to daylight and fresh air, close to wardrobes and artistic leadership. Experimental theatre remains on the ground of the square, as the most publically-open theatre platform. All three venues are linked through common vertical communications.

The renovation is re-positioning the institution on the mental map of the city and the country, returning the theatre into the public space and creating a new active image and position of the institution in society.