The end of Istropolis: the modernist Slovak landmark doomed to demolition | Concrete Ideas – The Calvert Journal

Built between 1956-1981 in central Bratislava, the Istropolis House of Trade Unions was originally designed to host Communist Party congresses. Designed by Ferdinand Konek, Ija Skoek, and ubomr Titl, the main building is a monolith of grey marble. Step inside, however, and youll find a patchwork of amenities: a cultural and congress centre, an office tower, a science centre, a theatre, an atrium, and a fountain.

The socialist-era building was constructed on the back of another structure, Berchtolds Palace. Built in 1832, the palace was demolished just as Istropolis was finished.

Now, history is set to repeat itself, and Istropolis itself is now set for demolition. The structure will be replaced by a new project, New Istropolis: a glass tower designed by the Dutch firms KCAP and CITYFRSTER. The new hub will encompass a cultural centre, as well as office spaces, residential buildings, a congress hotel, and an adjacent garden. Architects plan to maintain some elements of the old centre by keeping the artworks and repurposing some materials, such as the marble facade of the existing hall and the tropical timber panels.

Nevertheless, the demolition has been criticised by The Association of Slovak Architects, among others, who consider Istropolis key to Bratislavas history and culture. A petition denouncing Istropoliss destruction has been signed by almost 11,000 people. As of yet, however, developers plans remain unchanged, and demolition works have already started.

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The end of Istropolis: the modernist Slovak landmark doomed to demolition | Concrete Ideas - The Calvert Journal