History

THE TALE ABOUT THE BEGINNING

The acronym DESSA stands for "Delovna skupnost samostojnih arhitektov", which is the Slovene term for The Association of Freelance Architects. This organization provided both a business framework and a physical space for the activities of freelance architects who work in various design fields, ranging from urban planning, architecture, interior and graphic design to theatre set design.

In 1982, 36 architects founded DESSA with the primary purpose of helping private architects work in a socialist society. Yet DESSA, as a non-profit organization, has another principle objective -- elevating general societal awareness of the cultural value of architecture. It is, therefore, also concerned with publishing and organizing exhibitions, lectures and excursions. The gallery and office of DESSA, located on Zidovska steza 4 in Ljubljana's city centre, opened on 17 Aprile 1989. Boris Podrecca, an internationally recognized architect, currently working in Vienna, donated his design services for the gallery complex.

In 1991 DESSA founded Arhé, a design firm that helped members produce and sell architectural designs. In 1996 with 74 founding members, DESSA restructured itself and registered as a non-profit cultural foundation. Thus Arhé had acquired the commerce and financial responsibilities of DESSA, which therefore allowed DESSA to concentrate its energies on culture activities pertinent to the field of architecture. Arhé was closed down in 2012. Today, gallery program depends on donations of Ministry of Culture and eventual sponsors.