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1999 REALIZATION

The city fortress was built in the XII century, as a part of Lovran's fortification system. During the past centuries, the fortress was rebuilt and divided in its interior. It has served as housing, a jail and a school. With this reconstruction, the city fortress was redesigned as an atelier. The City Council of Lovran allowed Charles Billich, the renowned Australian painter who is a native of Lovran, to use the fortress on the condition that it was also open to the public. Desired gradations of privacy led to an internal organization whereby a public gallery occupies the ground floor and the atelier is on the upper floor. The interior space of the fortress is relatively small (6x6 meters). During the previous reconstruction, the fortress was returned to its original shape and all floor constructions were demolished. Due to the fortress' spectacular interior and the demand that it remain public, the implanted construction sought to be as transparent and neutral as possible. New construction and staircases are made of steel beams, columns and roof plates. New floors are not divided but are organised as a row of gallery spaces vertically connected by a single flight of stairs. Facilities such as a kitchen and toilettes are contained within the existing niches of the thick stone walls.

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