Meet the Architects: Studio Sadar
Studio Sadar is a Ljubljana-based architectural and design practice that has made an international mark across various sectors, including cultural, commercial, and residential projects. For BIO28, the studio is bringing its innovative design approach to the exhibition space, enhancing the experience and fostering meaningful interactions. Their commitment to creating engaging environments aligns seamlessly with the biennale’s exploration of contemporary themes, making them an important addition to this year’s event.
WHAT ROLE DOES THE ARCHITECT PLAY WHEN CONCEIVING AN EXHIBITION? HOW DO YOU INTEND TO APPROACH THE THEME OF THE DOUBLE AGENT?
S. S.: The role of the architect/designer depends on the curator, the client and the nature of the exhibition, as well as the location. The architect devises a functional path, the exhibition elements and the general atmosphere, all in collaboration with other team members, of course. We do find it interesting, however, if the process enables a certain amount of individual expression, which is what we are trying to also achieve with Double Agent.
LATELY IT SEEMS AS IF ALL EXHIBITION SPACES ARE DESIGNED TO BE AS PHOTOGENIC AND “PUBLISHABLE” AS POSSIBLE. IS THIS THE ARCHITECTURE OF TODAY? WHAT WILL ITS REINVENTION LOOK LIKE?
S. S.: The number of events is generally increasing, which means that institutions everywhere need to increasingly compete for their visitors. That is why it’s vital how you approach presenting yourself in the public eye, communicating your vision, and defining and addressing your target audience. With the Double Agent, we find it important to create a space that will highlight the artworks and clearly dictate the experience of the exhibition.
LATELY IT SEEMS AS IF ALL EXHIBITION SPACES ARE DESIGNED TO BE AS PHOTOGENIC AND “PUBLISHABLE” AS POSSIBLE. IS THIS THE ARCHITECTURE OF TODAY? WHAT WILL ITS REINVENTION LOOK LIKE?
S. S.: As with other architectural projects, this too is an integral process. Working within MAO makes it specific, as the museum is a distinct, untypical gallery space, both in regards to the sequence of spaces and the composition of building and historical elements. The project also requires us to take a certain position in regard to previous exhibitions, and to find a new mode of expression that will address the regular visitors as well. Then there is the second location with its specifics — and all this needs to be connected into a coherent whole.
DOUBLE AGENT – DO YOU SPEAK FLOWER IS AMONG OTHER THEMES THAT WILL “EXPLORE AND HIGHLIGHT THE STRATEGIC NATURE OF ARTIFICE AND RUSE THAT LIES BEHIND FRAGILITY AND BEAUTY OF FLOWERS.” THIS SENTENCE COULD ALSO BE PLACED IN A CONVERSATION ABOUT ARCHITECTURE. HOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND IT? WHICH SPACE OR OBJECT IN LJUBLJANA DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH THIS THOUGHT?
S. S.: A building or space is always constructed: this process is messy, rough, and its final product – the space or the building – alone reveals the architect’s vision. We could relate this quote to Gottfried Semper’s theory of the envelope or skin of an object, which has strongly influenced the Ljubljana architectural school. An envelope which determines the expression of the building or defines the degree of “fragility” as opposed to the soundness of the structure.
HOW CAN AN ARCHITECT ENSURE THAT AN EXHIBITION IS TRUE TO ITS THEME, WHILE IT STILL INDEPENDENTLY REPRESENTS THE ARCHITECT’S EXPRESSIVE INTENT?
S. S.: An architect always works with initial data, the client’s wishes, site specifics, and personal aspirations. The process, during which the best solution is brought to light, is very important; and the solution is always a compromise. Sometimes it is practically identical to the initial design, or it can change significantly during the process. When designing an exhibition where the concept is being developed simultaneously, it is important to establish a hierarchy of solutions, i.e. the importance level of individual elements with a view to integrate changes and create a coherent appearance.
DO YOU SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS?
S. S.: The theme is interesting and abstract enough to be interpreted in a wider manner; our contribution to the language will lie in spatial articulation.
DO YOU SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS?
S. S.: The concepts of the exhibition, the artworks and the themes are expressive, diverse and profound. Rather than creating predispositions through other works, we think it’s important that visitors take their time, while the exhibition will certainly offer a starting point for further in-depth exploration.
_