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The Croatian Bishops' Conference building is an administrative and cultural center and a residence of the top hierarchical structure of Catholic church in Croatia. The building is located in an attractive northern area of the city with gardens and green public areas. It is positioned on a gentle slope with a park and two individual buildings: the Bishop's Ordinariate building and the Papal Nuncio's residence.
The front of the building faces the main road which provides access to the building. It also functions as the external side of the atrium covering the internal courtyard and the ground floor. Its white onyx slats cladding acts at the same time as an effective shading device. However, its special effect is created by night due to its light absorption and emission properties. The decision to use this material was inspired both by its aesthetic properties and the symbolism of the building referring to light and purity.
The atrium around the internal courtyard accommodates the offices. The central area contains a chapel and a conference room whereas the east-facing residential area with a view of the park is located in the rear. These two areas are distinguished by the use of different materials such as concrete or plastic cladding acting in harmony with the onyx cladding. The building dominates the gentle slope with its position, undisturbed horizontals and a shimmering facade screening off complex and dynamic activities going on in its interior.
Client
Croatian Bishops' Conference
Kaptol 22, Zagreb, Croatia
Author
Nenad Fabijanić
Architectural Office
University of Zagreb
The Faculty of Architecture,
Institute for Architectural Design
Project Team
Sonja Tadej
Marija Grković
Zvonimir Pavković
Željko Pavlović
Davor Pavlović
Photographer
Project Details
Site area: 11500 m2
Gross area: 11900 m2
Net area: 10500 m2
Project: 2004 – 2007
Completed: 2011
Costs: undisclosed
Find sketches, sections and plans in the image gallery below. All drawings courtesy of University of Zagreb, The Faculty of Architecture, Institute for Architectural Design.
4 Comments
wait -- the "University of Zagreb, The Faculty of Architecture, Institute for Architectural Design" functions as a professional architectural office? this building is by the university architecture department...?
Great building. Was this done by a uni?
Yes, the uni functions as a professional architectural office and the author is Nenad Fabijanić. Architects that work there have their own separate offices and they teach also.. It's a nice building.
The lack of windows, indoor grill exercise yard ... At first I thought it was a prison. So who is the author?
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