Interviewed in Zagreb, October 10th 2005

The Atmosfera studio, founded by professional and private partners Bernarda and Davor Silov, is a unique phenomenon on the contemporary Croatian scene; the contribution the team has made was recognized and valued by the aware of a prize at the last architectural Salon. Their decision to create their architecture through impassioned investigation, free from so many canons, is definitely refreshing in circumstances where architects give up on more ambitious creations and succumb to market demands. Numerous poetic concepts, and their spontaneous but very direct and systematic shaping into ideas/sketches in various presentational media, place Atmosfera among the most productive members of the architectural and artistic community. Although Bernarda and Davor Silov do not like to be described as romantic or playfully utopian, their enthusiasm and energy are primarily directed towards an authentic sparkle of spontaneous, unprovoked gestures that are more charming, ingenious and attractive than radical. Their ability and will to express every breath of inspiration as a simple and understandable but curious architectural artifact makes them special and notable.

ORIS: How and when was the Atmosfera Architectural Studio established? Why the name Atmosfera (“Atmosphere”)?

Davor Silov: We established the office in 2004, but we had entered competitions and made projects together even before. The name is an attempt to explain the field of activity and view of the matter through the prism of our profession. “Atmosphere” has several connotations: it could suggest an ecological point of view, it could be linked to a project or ambience, Earth... The multiple meanings of the name make it very interesting. It allows for several interpretations.

Bernarda Silov: The idea of the sphere as form also had an influence on our choice of name. The theme of sphere and hemisphere is constantly present in our work as the ideal architectural form.