360°

Surround Photography guide to World Landmarks with the point to Slovenia :: Prostorske fotografije sveta s poudarkom na Slovenijo.

[O PROJEKTU / ABOUT THE PROJECT]

Hostel Celica

(visualization from year 2013)

Celica - "The Cell" ; The former military prison on Metelkova street in Ljubljana (The capital of Slovenia ) was renovated to become Hostel CELICA ('CELICA' => 'prison cell'). Every cell has its own author or a group of authors that projected its creative transformation from a prison cell to a UNIQUE hostel CELL.

Background: "Hostel Celica is located in the old military prison building in Metelkova area in Ljubljana. It was originally built in the Austro – Hungarian times at the end of the 19th century (1882). The building functioned as a military prison for over 100 years until 1991 when Slovenia achieved its independence after separating from the former socialist federation of Yugoslavia."

THE HISTORY

1882: PRISON

The Austro-Hungarian Army builds military barracks in Metelkova, Ljubljana. The building, where Hostel Celica is housed today, serves as a prison for over 100 years.

1991: ABANDONED BUILDING

The Yugoslav National Army departs from Slovenia when its independence is declared. The initiative Mreža za Matelkovo (Network for Metelkova) wishes to formally obtain the empty premises and to transform the barracks into a multicultural center.

1993: ARTISTS' STRUGGLE

After more than 2 years of complex bureaucratic procedures of trying to obtain the required documents and be able to move into the empty premises, the city answered with firm attempts by trying to demolish the empty military barracks. Several artists and supporters gathered together and showed their support to the initiative by occupying illegally the abandoned barracks. The city authorities tried to scare them away on several occasions by switching off electrical and water supplies. Some of them did eventually leave, but the most persistent stayed.

2001: ART PREVAILS

After almost 10 years of creative planning, transformation and restoration of the old military prison into a youth hostel, the City of Ljubljana and the Student Organisation of the University of Ljubljana finally showed approval. The transformation process saw more than 80 local and international artists involved.

2003: HOSTEL CELICA IS BORN

The first guests are welcomed at Hostel Celica in July.

2006: Hostel Celica was proclaimed world’s No. 1 Hippest Hostel by Lonely Planet;

2016 – Hostel Celica becomes WORLD'S 1st certified sustainability-oriented hostel

and wins the prestigious TRAVELIFE GOLD for its promotion of sustainable operation in the field of tourism.

2017, December: The Municipality of Ljubljana (MOL) decided to sell Hostel Celica at the auction price of 2.34 million euros.

Hostel Celica: (source)

	CELICA 101. Avtorja sta Aisling O'Beirn (Irska) in Franc Purg (kipar iz Celja). Vso opremo za celico sta kupila na bolšjem trgu. Knjige sta ovila v stare zemljevide, po ostalem pohištvu pa narisala ilustracije iz teh knjig. V okvirjih po stenah se nahajajo nekakšni napotki za vsakogar kako odreagirati v času demonstracij in na enem izmed njih je namerno počeno steklo (ker naj bi bilo znanje tako močno, da te presune). Cell 101 – Irish cell Authors: Aisling O'Beirn, Franc Purg The cell furniture was bought at the flea market. The books were wrapped into old travel maps, svereal pieces of furniture have drawings with old travel motives on them.
	CELICA 102. Celica 102 – SKANDINAVSKA celica Oblikoval jo je finski umetnik Juhani Pallasma in predstavlja primer skandinavskega oblikovanja. Vsi kosi pohištva, ki se nahajajo v celici so pritrjeni na stene, tako da je pod razbremenjen. Umetnik je želel imeti v celici okroglo manjše okno. Ker to ni bilo mogoče, so naredili zidno odprtino okroglo, okno pa je ostalo kvadratno. V sobi se nahajajo light stoli. Cell 102 – Scandinavian cell Author: Juhani Pallasma It is a perfect example of the Scandinavian architecture. Each and every piece of furniture is fixed into the walls which leaves the floor light and without any burden.
	CELICA 103. Celica 103 – FRANCOSKO – NEMŠKA celica Oblikovala jo je v Nemčiji rojena in v Franciji živeča umetnica Petra Marguč. Celico preveva ženski navdih. Strop je temen in predstavlja nočno nebo. Kljuke na steni simbolizirajo hrepenenje – ven iz zapora. Miza, ki je umeščena v celico je predelan stari kos železa najden na Metelkovi. Cell 103 – French / German cell Author: Petra Marguč The author was born in Germany but lives in France. The dark ceiling symbolizes the sky at night. There are door handles scattered around the walls as a symbol of escape attempts. The small coffee table was found in the Metelkova area and remodeled into a trendy piece of furniture.
	CELICA 104. Celica 104 – SLOVENSKA celica Avtor celice je Boštjan Novak. V celici je želel ustvariti slike oz. reliefe hoje. Prav tako je v celici uporabil ekološke barve. Cell 104 – Slovene cell Author: Boštjan Novak The author's idea was to create pictures / reliefs showing walking activity throughout the motives and only environmental friendly colours were used for painting.
	CELICA 105. Celica 105 – SLOVENSKO – ARGENTINSKA celica Slike na španski steni predstavljajo portret Zadnikarjev, ki jih je pošiljal iz Grčije. Zanimivost celice je njeno pohištvo, ki je pospravljivo – postelja se nahaja na vitlu, omara se razdre v mizo z dvema stoloma, prav tako se zloži španska stena. Soba lahko tako služi tudi kot manjša galerija. Cell 105 – Slovene / Argentinian cell Authors: Fontini Diamantidou, Adrijan Cingerle, Pablo Petkovšek The main concept of the cell is that every piece of furniture can be folded and took apart in order to create a complete empty space that can function also as an art gallery.
	CELICA 106. Celica 106 – SLOVENSKO – AMERIŠKA celica Avtor celice je slovenski kipar Roman Makše. Celotna celica deluje izredno domače in preprosto zaradi uporabe lesa. Omara v sobi naj bi predstavljala kotiček za branje – čitalnico. Ameriški kipar Anton pa je naredil tudi »bohkov kot«, vendar je v japonskem stilu, kjer imajo v hiši hiško za hišnega boga. Iz Amerike je bil prinesen tudi zelen okrasek. Cell 106 – Slovene /American cell Author: Roman Makše The concept was to create a warm and cosy home atmosphere surrounded by wood. The closet is at the same time a reading corner.
	CELICA 107. Celica 107 – RUSKA celica Avtor celice je ruski slikar in scenograf Maxim Isaajev. V celici je steno prebarval z modro akrilno barvo in nato iz stene spraskal obliko slike tako, da je omogočil steni da zadiha. Na sliki se nahaja simbol križcev, ki simbolizirajo odštevanje dnevov v zaporu. Ravno zaradi slike, ki se razteza čez polovico celice ni dodatnega malega okna. Cell 107 – Russian cell Author: Maxim Isaajev The left wall is painted entirely with the blue acrylic colour with thin small lines carved into it. The little crosses represent the countdown of days of prisoners' reclusion waiting ro be set free eventually. There is an enormous fresque covering the whole surface.
	CELICA 108. Celica 108 – "nedokončana" Celica je še "nedokončana in neizvedena". Zanjo obstaja koncept izdelave, ki pa v času od odprtja hostla še ni bil izveden. Cell 108 – "unfinished cell" The only "unfinished cell". There existed a basic concept, but was unfortunately put aside and left uncompleted since the opening of the hostel.
	CELICA 109. Celica 109 – ITALIJANSKA celica Izdelovala sta jo zakonca Dešman v sodelovanju z italijanskim umetnikom Giovannijem Morbinom, ki je v celico umestil rog in ga poimenoval »Pogovor z vesoljem«. V celici sta avtorja uporabila lipov les, ki velja za najcenejšega. Giovanni Morbin je avtor odlitka človeka, ki se nahaja zunanjem vogalu severnega dela hiše – za model je uporabil kar samega sebe. Cell 109 – Italian cell Authors: Mr & Mrs dešman in collaboration with Giovanni Morbino The Italian artist introduced the horn as a communication channel with the universe. The artists furnished the cell with lime wood. Giovanni Morbino is also the author of the human casting in stone at the corner of the Northern facade outside – he used his own figure for the model.
	CELICA 110. Celica 110 – SLOVENSKA celica Avtorji celice so slovenski umetniki povezani v skupino Odprti krog – Ira Zorko, Janko Rožič, Tina Curk, Aleksandra Brlan. Ena izmed zanimivosti celice je okroglo okno, ki je pravzaprav ostanek poskusa rušenja stavbe – od rušenja je ostala luknja, ki so jo spremenili v okno in tako nekaj negativnega spremenili v pozitivno. Kamen, ki se nahaja na tleh in služi kot stopnička za dostop do postelje, je prav tako ostanek poskusa rušenja – padel je v sobo na tla. Steber je prinesel Ira Zorko, ki ga je odkupil od Teološke fakultete, ko so ga le ti zavrgli. Sedaj steber služi kot okras in je hkrati podpora nosilne stene. Cell 110 – Slovenian cell Authors: Ira Zorko, Janko Rožič, Tina Curk and Aleksandra Brlan One of the most interesting features of the cell is the rounded window which serves as the reminder of the demolishing attempts of the old prison building. A basic hole in the wall was recreated into a stylish rounded window. The large rock on the floor was also stored beside other leftovers from demolishing attempts and functions as a stepping stone on the way to the king size bed. The pillar was bought from the Faculty of Theology and was meant to end up on dumping ground.
	CELICA 111. Celica 111 – SLOVENSKA celica Avtor celica je Matej Bizovičar, ki je eden izmed najbolj aktivnih umetnikov v hostlu Celica – še vedno aktivno sodeluje pri projektih work - in - progress (mozaiki v mansardi, skupna kuhinja, freske in mozaiki v Orientalni kavarni, totemi na vrtu…). Tudi v tej celici je ostala luknja od rušenja, ki jo je umetnik spremenil v okno. Okno je v obliki vulve, ki simbolizira novo rojstvo. Prvotni pogled skozi okno je kazal na opeko, ki so bili potem uporabljeni tudi pri oblikovanju celice. Opeke so ostanki pogorele šole ne Metelkovi, nekateri pa so bili že prej del celice. V celici sta dve sliki: ena simbolizira bilko, ki meče senco, druga pa predstavlja tloris zaporniškega hodnika, nad njo pa se nahajajo fotografije tračnic. Postelja je v dvojni funkciji – je postelja, ki se odpre v skrinjo in omogoča hranjenje prtljage. Cell 111 – Slovenian cell Author: Matej Bizovičar The author remains one of the most active artists still involved in the work-in-progress nowadays at Hostel Celica. The window in the corner was a former hole in the wall, left after demolishing attempts and later artistically transformed into a corner window.
	CELICA 112. Celica 112 – SLOVENSKA celica Avtor celice je prof. Janez Koželj, ki je tudi zdajšnji podžupan. Cilj oblikovanja je bil narediti celico čimbolj preprosto, elementarno, svetlo in čisto. Cell 112 – Slovenian cell Author: prof. Janez Koželj The concept was to create the most basic, pure and elementary living space possible to let in as much light as possible.
	CELICA 113. Celica 113 – SLOVENSKA celica Žiga Okorn je avtor te celice. Avtor še vedno sodeluje pri celostni grafični podobi hostla Celice. Posebnost celice 113 je, da je bila prva dokončana celica in je tako služila kot prikaz ostalim, kako se lahko prostor spremeni. Ob vstopu v celico se nahaja na tleh »predpražnik«, ki je nabran na sotočju treh rek – Ljubljanice, Savre in Kamniške Bistrice. V celici se nahajajo portreti moškega in ženske – kot jing in jang. Celica je razdeljena v tri prostore: vežo, dnevno sobo in spalnico. Avtor se je poslužil možnosti dviga tal, na ta način okno deluje v normalni višini. V tej celici je prespala tudi prva gostja hostla Celica – ga. Jelena Štenikova. Cell 113 – Slovenian cell Author: Žiga Okorn Still very much involved in the graphical & design work of Hostel Celica, this author's cell was the first one completed and the first one to welcome guests in July 2003. There is a portrait reflecting a man and a woman as a jing & jang combination.
	CELICA 114. Celica 114 – ŠVEDSKO – TURŠKA celica Chet Kanra je avtor te celice, Aleksander S. Ostan je prispeval slike. Prostor je odprt proti svetlobi, v celici obstaja tudi možnost namestitve dodatne postelje. Cell 114 – Swedish / Turkish cell Authors: Chet Kanra, Aleksander S. Ostan The cell is meant to stay simple, open and uncomplicated in style with basic furniture and equipment.
	CELICA 115. Celica 115 – SLOVENSKA celica Avtor je Jiri Kočica. Celica je druga najstarejša celica in je soba, v kateri so se umetniki srečevali in razpravljali o celicah in projektu ter dobivali nove ideje (Janko rožič, Žiga Okorn). V celici se nahaja »mentrga« - stara kmečka miza z velikim predalnikom, kjer so običajno pospravljali vse, kar so potrebovali za kruh. V njeni notranjosti so narisane slike od sejanja žita, mletja in obeda kruha. Skrinja, ki se nahaja v celici, je vojaška in je last avtorjevega dedka. Cell 115 – Slovenian cell Author: Jiri Kočica The second cell to have been completed in the renovation process. It used to be the place where artists would meet and discuss the whole transformation procedure – a true meeting point of ideas, concepts and projects. There is an old farmer table with a spacious drawer that used to store everything needed for cutting bread. On different spots around the cell there are several drawings of wheat sowing and gringing. The old wooden trunk is property of the author's grandfather.
	CELICA 116. Celica 116 – SLOVENSKO – AMERIŠKA celica Kiparka in slikarka Irena Brunec je avtorica te celice. Koncept sobe je oko – na tleh v parketu je izris oblike očesa, posteljno dno pa predstavlja šarenico in zenico. Posebnost sobe je okrogla, dvignjena postelja. Stene so ročno oblikovane in poslikane s Parisovo sodbo – izbiro med tremi boginjami, simbolično med tremi načini življenja. Steno krasi tudi pesem Leonarda Cohena »Tower song«. Cell 116 – Slovene / American cell Author: Irena Brunec The »eye« is the basic concept of the cell 116. There is an eye carved in the pavement, the lifted bed structure represents its iris and pupil. The walls are hand made and represent the Judgement of Paris – dilemma between 3 goddesses which can be paraphrased as the choice between different paths in one's life. One of the walls displays Leonard Cohen's lyrics of the Tower Song.
	CELICA 117. Celica 117 – SLOVENSKA celica Avtorica celice je profesorica iz pedagoške akademije Dragica Čadež. Celica je zelo preprosta. Leseni obok v celici je izdelan iz lesa pogorele stavbe na Metelkovi, ostali les pa so prilagodili. Tlakovci v celici pa so prineseni iz podstrehe hostla Celica. Cell 117 – Slovenian cell Author: prof. Dragica Čadež The basic concept is simple. The wooden arch was made of burnt wood of a destroyed building in Metelkova. The bricks that cover the cell floor were found in the Celica building attic.
	CELICA 118. Celica 118 – SLOVENSKA celica Celico je nastala v sodelovanju z Muzeja novejše zgodovine, Marka Štepca in Iva Vraničarja. Namen je bil ohraniti celico čim bolj podobno dejanski zaporni celici, tako se v njej nahajajo originalne postelje zapora kot tipičen primer jugoslovanskega zapora. V steni so uokvirjeni originalni zapisi zapornikov. Tla so obložena z linolejem. Cell 118 – Slovenian cell Authors: Marko Štepec and Ivo Vraničar in collaboration with the National Museum of Contemporary History The cell that among all resembles best the old prison life, containing original beds from the Yugoslav era. There are writings on the wall enclosed in frame as a reminder of prisoners' thoughts back in the days. The floor is covered in linoleum.
	CELICA 119. Celica 119 – ANGLEŠKA celica Angleški kipar Anthony Garmley je avtor te celice. Posebnost celice so njena tla – delno so zastekljena in v podu se nahajajo kipci. Prvi kip (skrajno levo, zgornji kot) je delo Anthonya, ki je naknadno poslal še 16 kipcev, ostali pa so delo obiskovalcev. Richard pa je na vzhodno steno narisal točno to, kar je takrat videl skozi okno – Trg brez zgodovinskega spomina. Cell 119 – English cell Author: Anthony Garmley The cell's main feature is the floor – covered in glass and enclosing 16 miniature sculptores made by visitors. The Eastern wall pictures what the artist envisioned in a specific moment in the past during transformation – a city square without any historical memory.
	CELICA 120. Celica 120 – SLOVENSKA celica Avtor celice je Aleksander S. Ostan. V celici se je lotil križnega poizkusa in dvojne delitve prostora. Cell 120 – Slovenian cell Author: Aleksander S. Ostan The cell is an experiment how to divide a single space in different areas, separated by a huge wooden cross that functions as a bed frame.
	KOTIČEK MIRU Posebno mesto med celicami ima t.i. Kotiček miru. To je edina izmed bivših zaporniških celic, kateri so odstranili režetke na vratih in oknu in ni namenjena bivanju obiskovalcev. Prostor naj bi predstavljal stično točko za vse raznolike goste, ki se zbirajo v hostlu Celica. V notranjosti se nahaja 6 niš, ki predstavljajo 5 svetovnih religij (islam, krščanstvo, hebrejska vera, hinduizem, budizem), ena niša pa ostaja odprta za vsakogar. V prostoru se nahaja tudi umivalnik, ki simbolizira vodnjak z vodo in prestavlja povezavo z naravo. 7 nišo predstavlja manjše okno, ki je enkrat večje kot v drugih celicah in tako enake velikosti kot ostale niše. Okno in steklo na vratih omogoča povezavo zunanjosti in notranjosti, saj se sonce razlije v notranjost hodnika. Soba se nahaja točno nad temnicami . Point of Peace The only former prison cell where prison bars were removed from windows and doors. It is not meant to accommodate guests but warmly welcomes visitors in search of a spiritual journey, inner peace or simply guests looking for little peace and quiet. There are 6 niches – each one dedicated to a world religion (Catholic, Islam, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu) plus one which is left empty and open to welcome any religion.