Cukrarna

Cukrarna, a former sugar refinery, was built in 1828. The key idea was to carve out all internal structures of the building, preserving only the historic envelope, and convert it into a multi-functional space for contemporary art. Today represents a revolutionary new space in the cultural infrastructure of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Cukrarna, a former sugar refinery, was built in 1828. It was destroyed by a fire in 1845 and later became a tobacco factory, a textile factory, a military barracks, and a homeless shelter. It was also a temporary home for poets and writers of Slovenia's Modernist period , and is therefore firmly anchored in the national subconscious as an important cultural symbol. The key idea, which was recognised by the competition’s jury, was to carve out all internal structures of the building, preserving only the historic envelope, and convert it into a multi-functional space for contemporary art. The ground floor serves as an extension of the urban public space, accessible free of charge. Upon entering, visitors are made aware of the gargantuan dimensions of the former factory. The gallery volumes, designed as “white cube” galleries, levitate above the ground floor, hanging from the steel roof structure. They are separated from the historic envelope by a visible gap, and are wrapped in perforated, sleek metal skin, contrasting with the concrete walls of the envelope. The New Cukrarna represents a revolutionary new space in the cultural infrastructure of Ljubljana. It is a programmatic attractor at the edge of the city centre, regenerating a formerly derelict urban area. Size: 5.600 m2