Ilirija Sportcity by LORENZATELIERS

Reviving a Historic Landmark in the Heart of Ljubljana

Ilirija Sportcity by LORENZATELIERS represents a masterful example of urban regeneration, where history and modernity coexist within a single architectural vision. The project transforms the dilapidated Ilirija swimming pool, originally designed by Stanko Bloudek in 1929, into a contemporary sports and cultural hub that redefines urban life in Slovenia’s capital.

Retaining the listed entrance building, the design respects the heritage of the site while integrating cutting-edge infrastructure. The city’s 1995 decision to build a 50-meter Olympic pool within the city center, rather than relocating it to the outskirts, stands as a sustainable urban planning milestone, reducing car dependency and reaffirming Ljubljana’s commitment to accessible, community-centered sports architecture.

Reconnecting the City and Tivoli Park

The new Športni Park Ilirija restores the historic access between the city center and Tivoli Park, reestablishing the connection that was severed in 1942 when a railway line isolated the area. The Baroque entrance from Latterman Avenue is now revived as a pedestrian and cyclist gateway, merging recreational, cultural, and ecological flows through the city.

This restoration not only revitalizes a key piece of Ljubljana’s urban heritage but also introduces a mobility hub and public plaza—transforming what was once an isolated bathing facility into a dynamic urban landmark. The project thus strengthens city-wide connectivity, enabling social interaction and sustainable transportation.

A Multifunctional Urban Block for Sports, Culture, and Community

The Ilirija Sportcity complex functions as a multilayered urban building block that accommodates far more than athletic programs. Beyond the 50-meter swimming pool and four sports halls, the design includes a public piazza, café, loggia terrace, and even a museum. These diverse spaces support cultural, educational, and social activities, ensuring that the building operates as a vibrant inner-city destination throughout the year.

By merging sports, culture, and commerce, LORENZATELIERS created a financially self-sustaining facility that enriches urban life and promotes social cohesion.

Architectural Icon: The Curved Roof and Sustainable Energy

At the heart of Ilirija Sportcity’s identity is its iconic roof structure, a sweeping steel canopy spanning 54 meters and covering more than 12,000 square meters. The dynamic form unifies the three main buildings beneath it, defining the architectural character of the entire complex.

Integrated photovoltaic panels transform the roof into a zero-energy system, providing renewable power for the facility and underscoring Ljubljana’s commitment to sustainable public architecture. This combination of structural ingenuity and environmental performance positions Ilirija Sportcity as a model for future carbon-neutral sports infrastructure.

Light, Space, and Atmosphere

Inside, the architecture cultivates an immersive sensory experience through the interplay of light, color, and spatial transparency. Large openings frame constant visual connections with the surrounding city, railway, and park, fostering a sense of openness and movement.

The material palette remains raw and authentic, with untreated concrete surfaces complemented by fixtures in three shades of blue, echoing the project’s aquatic identity. Carefully designed daylighting and artificial illumination shape an ever-changing atmosphere that celebrates both athletic energy and architectural expression.

A Civic Landmark for Sport and Culture

Ilirija Sportcity embodies a new vision for urban sports architecture—one that integrates competition, recreation, education, and culture within a single architectural ecosystem. It stands as a civic landmark where athletes, students, and citizens converge, redefining the relationship between architecture, mobility, and community life in the center of Ljubljana.

Through its innovative design, sustainable technology, and urban foresight, LORENZATELIERS has not only revived a historical site but also crafted a symbol of contemporary civic identity for Slovenia’s capital.

All Photographs are works of Ana Skobe,