We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Ivana Lukovic about their original and creative Residential Space design work. Ivana Lukovic is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original residential space works.
Ivana Lukovic ("IL") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Apartment 24 Residential Space. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
IL : The basic idea regarding this design was to bring a new life to the Apartment 24. In doing so, the place of a great spatial potential was literally flooded with the natural light from the sky. Further, my choice of the applied finishing materials was inspired by the history of the dwelling that is elaborated example of postwar Yugoslav modern residential architecture, surrounded by trees. Walnut veneer, white oiled marine birch plywood and white cement terrazzo created “in situ”, all contributed to evoking the atmosphere of the 1970s nostalgia. The entire space is conceived like a large wooden box, where the above-mentioned materials take shape of handmade floorboards, staircase, wall paneling, functional divisions, pivoting panels, storage spaces and most of the furniture.
IL : To clarify my aims about this project, it would be necessary to introduce you with the characteristics of the existing situation that I found at the site. It was a plan with surface of 97m2 that occupied the parts of both seventh and eighth floor of the residence that dealt with numerous problems: two levels were connected by very uncomfortable spiral staircase, bathrooms at both levels were without natural light and ventilation, a large part of the second level space under the roof didn’t have any purpose due to the insufficient height, the whole place had single orientation and the external walls along with the roof not properly insulated. Also, the first level was divided by walls in several places, without visual contact, neither between them nor with the upper level, so the general impression was of a more compact space. In order to deal with all these serious disadvantages, but also to emphasize powerful points of the place, we had to apply radical approach, quite daring and unusual for the local circumstances: all the existing walls, easy assembly ceilings, concrete beams and wooden roof construction were removed from the space. The only remaining elements were walls that were defining the borders of the property. A new, leaner, more elegant metal construction was introduced, enabling us to create a more desirable plan for both levels, allowing them at the same time to penetrate each other. Thus, retaining the existing volume, we succeeded to gain additional 13m2 of habitable surface and acceptable height of the second level walkway, which is the main connection between staircase and private area. Furthermore, thanks to the newly created eleven roof openings, every single space - public, private, or auxiliary has natural light and ventilation, while framing spatio- temporal viewing experience. In the center of the first level, a transitional, in- between space is established, a kind of a special place with greenery that functions both as an extension of the exterior, with open roof and façade door during the summer, as well as a part of the interior, closed and protected, in the winter. Another place with greenery and the light from the above is brought in front of both bathrooms, transforming them into sensational affair “per se”.
IL : I would like to see it published in relevant architectural and interior design magazines.
IL : It was about a six-month process that included detailed drawings for the site, renderings, and all necessary permits. Because of the challenging circumstances, I thought that it was important to dedicate time and to be well prepared before the commencement of the realization.
IL : Apartment 24 used to belong to my late parents and its unrecognized potential was always intriguing me. After their departure, I have decided to transform the space filled with fond memories into something contemporary, functional, and beautiful. This decision placed me in an exciting as well as challenging position, in which, for the first time, I had to play both roles of a Client and an Architect as well.
IL : I think that I have already answered this question (please, see above). I would just like to comment that this particular space is experienced by my family, me and my wonderful friends.
IL : It was an emotional project, which helped me to deal with a loss of my parents and also placed me in the exciting position, in which I had to play both roles of a Client and an Architect as well, as I have already explained above.
IL : It is always employment of different subjects of interests that are waiting patiently in your memory to become the initial point of the creative departure, rather than particular design/designer.
IL : It could be any sensitive human being with ability to experience the serenity and sensuality of this space.
IL : Despite the constraints that we had to face due to the particularity of the existing situation, we have achieved a surprising, uncommon transformation of the space.
IL : Apartment 24 means exactly what it says: it is situated in the multi-apartment dwelling, numbered 24.
IL : The tools that I always use: pens, pencils, color pencils, brushes, different software.
IL : It is the effect of natural light coming through eleven light wells that creates ever-changing scenery.
IL : Because of the complexity of the intervention, beside my usual collaborators in my Athens Studio, a number of dedicated professionals from various construction fields, coming from several countries had to be involved in the project, coordinated in three languages. Regarding joinery work, all wooden parts were created in Athens workshop and then transported to the site in Belgrade for the assembling.
IL : Design process was supported by following software: Autodesk AutoCAD 2013; Autodesk 3ds Max 2017; Vray Render3.4; Adobe Photoshop cs6; Adobe Acrobat
IL : Research was done regarding impact of natural light on the newly created space and materials applied. Numerous samples of terrazzo, birch plywood and walnut veneer were done to find the appropriate finish for this design.
IL : The real potential of the space was recognized in the conventional layout and transformed into something contemporary and functional. The adopted strategy was quite daring, but only by introducing a new, metal construction, additional 13m2 of habitable space and appropriate height of the second level could have been gained, without violating the existing volume and borders of the property. The realization of the project was taking place in the central Belgrade dense urban tissue on the seventh and eighth floor, and the challenges involved tenants of the dwelling, as well as technical and bureaucratic issues.
IL : I was quite satisfied with the new qualities of the space that were achieved and positive impact it had on different visitors. Hence, it inspired me to hire a professional photographer for images and director of photography for video. The result of our mutual effort was desirable enough to help the decision to take a part at the international design competition.
IL : The project was realized in my native city, Belgrade, Serbia, hence it was important to me to test my skills beyond my usual locations in Greece. I am content that it went on so well and that I had wonderful collaborations with local experts from various construction fields. Also, I have re-established that if you follow your ideas passionately, anything is possible.
IL : I would like to thank you for your time and attention.
