Petra Sedej, Ljubljana SI
PLECNIK'S CHURCH AT LJUBLJANA'S MARSHES
The history and the culture of a nation are also seen in the architecture. One of the buildings we can show with pride is Plečnik's church St. Michael at Ljubljana's Marshes. This church is proof of the architects deep understanding of stone and wood, combined with the skills of Slovenian craftsmen. Its special value lies in its harmony and its refined taste in the combining of the two natural materials. The foundation stone was placed in the summer of 1937.
From the time the church was built, the ruthless tooth of time brutally cut into the wooden beauty. The wood, exposed to the sun, the frost, the wind and the moist, had to be refreshed and newly protected. Restoration works were made by the Faculty of Architecture in co-operation with Belinka, who prepared the expert proposal for the renewal of the wooden parts of the church. Belinka also contributed its wood protection products.
"Beauty must be created and preserved!" This is our motto at Belinka, where we try to develop an attentive relation with wood and preserve its beauty through centuries.
All wooden details are an unrepeatable combination of contrasts - simple and noble, transitory and lasting, seemingly common and provocatively luxurious. At the same time we know that all that is beautiful educates and elevates, creates respect and love, helps shape people.