The Limits of Architect's Autonomy

architect Edvard Ravnikar
project Modern Gallery, Ljubljana, Slovenia
written by Rok Žnidaršič

 

The renovation of several key Slovene architectural works in recent years indicates a certain characteristic state of contemporary society. A state that often leaves open the question of the evaluation of those elements of collective memory that are the basis of social identity, culture, recognition and self-awareness. The question to be answered by competent institutions is which cultural monuments of the 20th century have such a value that they should be preserved in their original state, and on the other hand, which works can survive only if they are refurbished rather radically, while keeping some of their significant qualities?