Slovenian design studio OFIS Arhitekti has taken on a project that transformed the brutalist Mladinska Knjiga Printing House into a block of offices. The design retains the original structure that was first built in 1966 by Savin Sever. After a series of uses since the printing house ended in 2009, the team has altered the structure for creative enterprises as workspaces.
The leader of the project, Matevz Granda shares, "In recent decades, several buildings in Sever's opus have been demolished. Despite the fact that Sever himself advocated the principles of functionalism and the notion that, once a building no longer serves its function, it should be replaced by a new one, these demolitions were tragically unnecessary and mostly the result of economic interests. In contrast, the Old Printing House has been respectfully renovated and given a new lease on life."
Image Credit: Janez Martincic
What's Driving This Trend
- Adaptive Reuse Architecture
- Converting historical buildings into modern office spaces preserves architectural heritage while meeting contemporary business needs.
- Creative Workspace Transformation
- Redefining traditional structures into innovative workspaces enhances collaborative environments for creative industries.
- Functionalist Design Restoration
- Balancing historical integrity with modern functionality, this trend optimizes the use of old buildings without compromising their original design principles.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture & Design
- Industry professionals can explore adaptive reuse projects that blend historical preservation with modern functionality.
- Real Estate Development
- Investors are capitalizing on the potential of outdated structures by renovating them into desirable commercial properties.
- Creative Enterprises
- Companies within this industry benefit from innovative office space designs that foster creativity and collaboration in unique environments.
