Cukrarna Gallery Ljubljana Building Design, Scapelab Architecture Slovenia, Former Factory Development Photos
Cukrarna Gallery Ljubljana Building
1 June 2022
Design: Scapelab

Photos by Miran Kambi?
Cukrarna Gallery Ljubljana Building Design
Cukrarna is a former sugar refinery, built in 1828 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. During its’ two-hundred-year history, it was a sugar refinery, destroyed in a disastrous fire, and later a tobacco factory, a textile factory, a military barracks, and a homeless shelter.

It was also a temporary home for many poets and writers from Slovenia’s Modern period, which was key to establishing Slovenia as an independent nation. Due to its’ significance as a monument of 19th century industry, it has been listed as a protected building, and due to its rich history, it is firmly anchored in the Slovenian nations’ subconscious as a cultural symbol.
In 2009 the City municipality of Ljubljana organized an international competition to find the best proposal for the renovation of this national monument. Scapelab won the competition with the key idea to carve out all internal structures of the building, preserving only the historic envelope, and converting the building into a multi-functional space for contemporary art.

The ground floor is an extension of urban public space, accessible to all, free of charge. Upon entering, visitors are made aware of the gargantuan dimensions of the former factory. The gallery volumes, designed as »wh...