Two Atria

With the construction of an extension to the existing Ljubljana School of Economics, formerly the Trade Academy and a two-year trade school built 1931–34 according to plans of architect Vladimir Šubic, the original internal schoolyard was divided into two narrow atriums, enabling natural lighting for classrooms of both the existing building and the extension.

The north atrium is completely introverted and surrounded by high facades. Even in the summer, it remains in the shade, damp and cramped, while the southern visually opens onto Hrovatin's garden. Its airiness and a view of the green treetops of the neighboring "micro park" provide the potential for creating a high-quality outdoor school space. The current disconnection of the atria creates small, inaccessible spaces with no utility value.

With the underground connection of the two atria, a bright and multistory in-between space is created – the school library, which forms a large transitional area between the two atriums. Existing underground spaces are no longer abandoned, dark, or closed, but have become a vital and central part of socializing, learning, working, and other activities.

The intervention creates a new "heart of the school" housing all key programs for the education of future economists. This includes a contemporary, flexible, bright library, a practical classroom – "the company", a multi-purpose meeting room, and a large lecture hall.

The stepped design of the terrain of the two atriums allows for better transparency and passability, encourages user circulation around and through the building, and enhances the lighting of the basement classrooms in the extension.