The existing building of the former “Adriatic Podunavska Bank” was built in the academic architectural style during the period from 1922 to 1924, according to the project of the German architect August Reinfelz. The ambience is dominated by a circular counter hall with a stained glass window – an interpretation of the spherical ceiling of the Roman Pantheon. The reconstruction also included the central vault with safes – a massive concrete space with armored steel doors that was built a century ago by the company “Panzer” from Berlin, and which were repaired according to conservation conditions. The palace is located within the “Area along Kneza Miloš Street” which enjoys the status of a property under prior protection, and the entire design activity was carried out with great dedication and precision, respecting the conservation conditions of the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of the City of Belgrade.
The beginning of the design process implies the initial tramsformation and repurposing of the space and it started with the removal of partition walls and those positions that do not affect the structural stability of the building in order to connect the space as a whole. The planned works – installation channels, the entire infrastructure for the needs of the new purpose of the building are designed in such a way as not to endanger the structural stability, existing and future functionality of the planned contents, but also to be an integral part of the aesthetics of the space.
The ground floor of the building is designed as an open space, primarily intended for permanent scientific and various guest exhibitions with a centrally placed Globe, an entrance area with an info desk, a security area, a control room with video surveillance, a space for a digital bank branch 24/7, a cafe, a bookstore, toilets and cloakrooms for visitors, as well as adequate supporting spaces.
The first floor is the space where the exhibition activities from the ground floor are continued, which can also be seen through the existing openings towards the central space. The tract of the building towards the streets of Knez Miloš and Kralja Milan, with meeting rooms and offices, was kept in its existing structure and materialization, according to the conservation conditions, it was repurposed into conference rooms, as well as the offices of the building’s management and administration areas.
ETF scientific centers were formed on the other available floors (second, third, fourth floor and attic), applying design principles – openness, maximum functionality, visual accessibility, which was achieved by the implementation of glazed wall partitions.
As a special attraction of multiple importance, i.e. a content of exceptional functional and educational value, a planetarium – a spherical cinema was designed, on the level of the third floor, positioned on the mezzanine steel structure and directly above the protective structure of the existing stained glass window. As part of the intervention on the building, a very important role is played by the newly formed lantern-steel structure coated with Alukobond, over the area of ​​the existing skylight and planetarium, as well as the roof terrace by the restaurant.

INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT

The conceptual layout of the entire interior was designed respecting the basic geometry of the space – the dominant circular form of the former counter hall and the immediate surroundings bordered by a colonnade of massive columns.
The newly formed spaces visually and aesthetically seem futuristic and refer to the contents of the Palace of Science – the future presented by innovations, scientific research topics and exhibition settings. The combination of old and new in the building is recognized in the shaping of the spatial structure, movement while preserving the heritage.
With the reconstruction of the building from the aspect of materialization, it is planned to retain and enhance the exceptional finishes and forms with the application of the most modern technical and technological materials, installations and equipment. In order for certain environments to have an adequate appearance, special attention is focused on the complete lighting and light effects in the entire space of the building.
All spaces and interior elements were extremely important for the formation of a design approach to creating environments of maximum functional and design simplicity with respect and emphasis on everything found, which gives the entire environment an exceptional aesthetic dimension and content.
The space of the Palace of Science is open to the public, primarily to children and students in order to encourage creative curiosity and education of various levels, but also to all generations oriented to the scientific world and the challenges of conquering new knowledge.