Studio Kalamar

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SLOVENIAN INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT

location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
/competition/
type: public space
status: concept
year of project: 2025

The statue is designed as a contemporary kinetic sculpture with a strong symbolic meaning. Its central purpose is to illustrate the community, connection and state independence of the Republic of Slovenia. The design consciously avoids digital displays, as these are less suitable for permanent artistic installation in public spaces due to weather effects, technical failures and rapid obsolescence.
The central element of the sculpture is the flag of the Republic of Slovenia, placed in the centre of the composition. An elliptical ring is attached to the flagpole, symbolising a multitude of individuals united in a community. The ring with an opening through which the flag is raised acts as a contemporary interpretation of collectivity and at the same time establishes a dialogue with the existing artistic and architectural elements of the Republic Square.
Three symbolic images alternate on the surface of the ring: the reflection of Ravnikarjev trg with the parliament and its surroundings, the display of diverse individuals with anodised titanium tubes of different colour shades and the final image of a harmonious and optimistic community. Colors, movement and short colored areas bring dynamics, hope and joy associated with the creation of an independent Slovenian state into the space dominated by gray tones.
On the lower edge of the bronze ring is the inscription: "GREETING SLOVENIA IN AN UNBREAKABLE HOPE! GREETING, GREETING, YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW!" This is a historical quote used when the Slovenian flag was raised upon the declaration of independence in 1991.
The spatial placement is based on minimal interference with Ravnikar's architecture and on the respectful integration of the new artwork into the existing context. The space for raising the flag is closed off with an iron door, the ornament of which is a reprise of Ravnikar's staircase railing motif. The elliptical ring is attached to the pole in such a way as to create a feeling of floating, while its soft line complements the strict geometry of the square. The location of the monument further emphasizes the northeastern corner of the Republic Square and marks the transition from Šubičeva Street to the space of a higher urban level.
Structurally, the base of the statue is designed as a grid cube made of carbon-protected stainless steel. Its horizontal and vertical levels are concentrated towards the center in golden ratio proportions and form a core that symbolizes strength, continuity and historical steps on the path to Slovenian independence. Strength is not expressed by monolithicity, but by transparent meshing that maintains the openness of the space.
The steel structure carries the entire weight of the statue and transfers it to the supporting lines of the existing underground structure. The surface of the flag-raising area is covered with a dense walkable mesh, and the structure is lowered in this part, ensuring visual openness without additional fencing.
The flagpole is designed as a cone, clamped in a grid base. It is made of spirally welded stainless steel sheet, with a finely ground and sandblasted surface, and a flag-raising mechanism is installed in it. The pole measures 23 meters and ends with a rosette and a gilded needle. The 4 × 8 meter flag rises to the height of the natural wind flow, so it does not need artificial blowing. Due to its height, movement and symbolic content, the statue becomes the central vertical focus of the Republic Square and a modern symbol of Slovenian independence.