A New Crystal on the Ljubljana Skyline
The Crystal Palace (Kristalna palača) is a new business centre with conference facilities and a shopping arcade with select brands, providing an attractive space both for work and relaxed socialising. Its recent opening on 1 September 2011 was marked by a spectacular event in the presence of the President of the Republic of Slovenia and the Mayor of Ljubljana. With its 89 metres of height, it is now the tallest building in Slovenia. 
The tower, featuring twenty floors, is not only a new city architectural landmark but, as a model of perfection, sets an array of new engineering standards. Due to its first-class technological and ecological materials, its own solar power plant, sophisticated, modern architecture with a shimmering glass facade and an elegant and comfortable interior, it creates a unique new type of public space in the city. The entire investment by the BTC d.d. company is worth 57.5 million Euro. In alignment with the company’ sustainability measures, the solar plant with a power of 80 KWp generates 2% of the required electric energy.
Due to its own innovative Ecoindex business model, aimed at the environmental monitoring and assessment, BTC d.d. was recently named the »Environmentally friendly company 2010«, awarded by the Finance newspaper and the Slovenian Eco Foundation (Ekosklad) This entitles the company to apply in 2012, on behalf of Slovenia, for the European Business Awards for the Environment, conferred by the European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment.
The building of the Crystal Palace is also intended for meetings and events. It features a multi-purpose hall which can welcome up to 200 people theatre-style, and can be divided into two individual sections or adjusted to meet the needs of different events by changing the seating arrangements. Natural daylight, the provision of large quantities of fresh air and top-notch ventilation of the hall ensure the well-being and comfort of event participants.
The hall is equipped with state-of-the-art conference technology, three simultaneous interpretation booths and system, professional audio-/video equipment, wireless central control, broadband wireless internet access as well as one standard and two additional mobile large-screen monitors. The modern technological equipment enables clients to record the event and archive it, and it is possible to receive an audio recording of the event immediately after its conclusion, thus adding to the environmentally friendly meeting experience provided by the building itself.
On the second floor a large open air platform, named the Green Terrace, which functions as a park within the urban complex, can be used for receptions and events. A gourmet restaurant, DiVino, which occupies a part of the terrace, and the top-floor Twenty Cafe, with a stunning view to the north, provide a high quality gastronomic experience, as well as catering for events.
The Crystal Palace is located in the BTC shopping area, which is one of the largest business, shopping, recreational, entertainment and cultural centres in Europe. It attracts more than 21 million visitors every year, and features more than 450 shops, restaurants and bars, the Atlantis Water Park, Sports Centre, a bowling alley, a casino, a multiplex cinema, a theatre, 8,500 free parking spaces and a free shuttle bus service within the BTC area. By mid 2012, a four star hotel with 200 rooms is due to open there, adding another important element to its attractiveness.
The overall design of the Crystal Palace complex aims to create an environment where people will meet for business as well as for pleasure. Therefore it strives at the same time to meet the highest expectations and requirements of its users regarding architecture, environmental standards, creativity and residential comfort.
For more information please visit www.kristalna-palaca.com or www.visitljubljana.si/meetings
