Monographs Architects Lapajne Brothers

The brothers Miloš, Danilo and Marijan Lapajne are among the key creators of Slovenian architecture in the second half of the 20th century. As architects, urban planners and designers, they had a significant influence on the development of cities, residential culture and public space, particularly in the Dolenjska region, but also more broadly across Slovenia and the former Yugoslavia. Their work is linked by a commitment to modernist principles, technical precision and functionality, and a keen sense of local space, cultural landscape and human scale.

Monograph Architects Miloš, Danilo and Marijan Lapajne, published in 2024 by the Novo Mesto Society and the Society of Architects of Dolenjska and Bela Krajina, is the first comprehensive scientific study that systematically evaluates their work. The book provides an in-depth insight into the architectural, urban planning and design practice of the three brothers, discussing both completed projects and conceptual designs, and placing their work in the broader context of modernist and functionalist trends of the post-war period. Special attention is paid to the technical and aesthetic aspects of architecture and questions of feasibility, which always served as the starting point for the Lapajne brothers' creative work.

Authors of the monograph Dr. Tomaž Golob and Dr Tina Potočnik In the book, they describe how the Lapajne brothers intertwined contemporary international architectural ideas with local needs for post-war reconstruction, urban development and economic growth. Their projects range from residential neighbourhoods and individual houses to public, commercial, educational, industrial and tourist facilities. The common denominator of their work is concern for the user, clear structural logic and consistent technical and spatial thoughtfulness. Danilo and Marijan in particular are closely linked to the development of Novo Mesto and its surroundings, where they have helped shape the everyday environment of several generations with schools, shops, industrial buildings and residential projects.

The discussion with the authors of the monograph will be led by the curator for architecture, art historian Dr. Martina Malešič.

MAO recently added the legacy of one of the brothers, Miloš Lapajne, to its collection. At the event, visitors will have a unique opportunity to see selected plans and sketches from his collection and examine them in detail together with curators and invited experts.

The monograph will be available for purchase at the MAO bookshop during the event.