Multifunctional building Dunajski vogal

Slovenska cesta, the north-south axis crossing Ljubljana, serves as an exhibition hall of Slovenian architecture. The first skyscrapers rose along it, setting new styles, and architects responded to current events with their projects. However, the street is not endless, and in the 1980s, modern high-rise buildings moved north beyond the railway tracks, where Slovenska cesta smoothly transitions into Dunajska cesta. The goal was also to cover the low residential buildings that lie just behind them with these exhibition buildings along the main access road to Ljubljana, so that Ljubljana would appear larger and more magnificent to those arriving. Because this is one of the most important streets in the city, local regulations have gradually tightened over time.
The residential building Dunajski vogal, for which A. Biro received the Plečnik Award in 2006, is the first structure that fully adhered to the new regulations. The corner building at one of the many intersections of Dunajska cesta yields back in anticipation of the future expansion of the street with a new tram line. Unlike previous skyscrapers, this building aims to create a lower administrative mass for the street frontage, which is complemented above by a cross structure with residential units. This simple arrangement of two masses does not overshadow the street in the morning hours. By combining offices and apartments, the architects made use of local regulations to their advantage while managing to create an attractive place for work and everyday life. The combination of dark exposed brick and window bands creates an interesting snake-like appearance when viewed from the corner as it weaves through the building. The brick cladding of the structure also imparts a sense of strength and solidity. The residential units with views of the street are sheltered behind glazed loggias for protection against outdoor noise. Currently, the building still significantly exceeds the surrounding development, but it anticipates that this will change in the coming years, as the construction boom is expected to extend from the center to this area soon.