Repurpose, Reinterpret: Tracing Spolia and Reuse in Plečnik’s Ljubljana
Closer reading of Plečnik's practice of material reuse
Plečnik’s urban projects reflect a unique blend of classical and modernist styles and shape the identity of today’s Ljubljana. His works are renowned for their innovative use of spoliation – the reuse of historical architectural elements or spolia, which he skilfully integrated into his architectural designs.
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The project is based on research conducted by students Fanny Bruckbauer, David Eibensteiner, Dora Janušič, and Larissa Silva Lopes, who attended the AA Nanotourism Visiting School in Ljubljana in September 2024. During the two-week workshop, they identified numerous historical elements reincorporated into Plečnik’s architectural designs, from details to urban designs. After the workshop, they expanded and deepened their research in collaboration with the Plečnik House and other professional institutions and individuals. The result of their research is this exhibition and accompanying publication, which presents four thematic sections on Plečnik’s reuse and highlights the symbolic, practical, and historical aspects of Plečnik’s work.
“The exhibition and the book invite a closer reading of Plečnik’s practice of material reuse, revealing interconnected histories and memories embedded within the urban fabric. Through a focused research process, the authors identify multiple layers of material narratives and propose a rediscovery of Plečnik’s Ljubljana through an invisible network of material, symbolic, and historical connections,” highlighted Aljoša Dekleva, mentor and head of the AA Nanotourism Visiting School programme.
Published by:
MUZEJ IN GALERIJE MESTA LJUBLJANE, PLEČNIKOVA HIŠA / Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana, Plečnik House
Represented by: Blaž Peršin, direktor / Director
Authors of research and texts: Fanny Bruckbauer, David Eibensteiner, Dora Janušič, Larissa Silva Lopes
Foreword: Aljoša Dekleva, AA nanotourism Visiting School
Editors: Aljoša Dekleva, Vid Žnidaršič
Expert support: Ana Porok
Publication production: Maja Kovač
Photographs: David Eibensteiner, Dora Janušič, Sebastian Pichler, Andrej Peunik, Damjan Prelovšek; MGML documentation, Plečnik Collection; Photo archive of the IPCHS, Ljubljana Regional Unit; National Museum of Contemporary History of Slovenia, Foto Slovenija collection and Slovenec newspaper collection; Slovene Ethnographic Museum; Historical Archives of Ljubljana, Photo Collection
Design: Fanny Bruckbauer, David Eibensteiner, Dora Janušič, Larissa Silva Lopes
Editing of photos and graphic material: Fanny Bruckbauer, David Eibensteiner, Dora Janušič, Larissa Silva Lopes
Language editing: Katja Paladin (SLO), Matic Šavli (ENG)
English translation: Matic Šavli
Print run: 300 copies
Print: Tiskarna Povše BM d. o. o.
February 2026