Chamber of Commerce / "Metropol"

In 1933, the members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry initiated the process for constructing a Chamber of Commerce building in Skopje, with the aim of bringing together all business organizations from the city under one roof, in a shared building, to facilitate more efficient collaboration. In 1935, the construction of the Chamber of Commerce building in Skopje was completed.

B+FF+M+3

The plot for the building, covering an area of 630 square meters, was purchased on King Peter Square in the city center, next to the new building of the National Bank, whose height the new Chamber of Commerce building was planned to match. Therefore, it was designed to include a basement, ground floor, mezzanine, and three upper floors, and to occupy an area of approximately 470 square meters.

The building is designed with a reinforced concrete skeletal structure, with a flat roof and the use of modern construction materials. The glazed mezzanine frame dominates the modernist-shaped façade facing the square, and by rounding the walls from the first to the third floor, while leaving the mezzanine structure within a structural grid of pillars, the corner is accentuated in contrast to the varied façade surfaces on all sides.

The building was constructed with a flat roof (accessible terrace).

The glazed mezzanine frame dominates the modernist-shaped façade facing the square, and by rounding the walls from the first to the third floor, while leaving the mezzanine structure within a structural grid of pillars, the corner is accentuated in contrast to the varied façade surfaces on all sides. The pilaster becomes a pillar detached from the façade, defining the imagined plane of the façade front. In terms of height, it aligns with the cornice of the National Bank, allowing the tower composition of the National Bank to remain unique in its interplay with the opposing Officers' Hall (thus preserving the composition of the "portal"). Zloković also created an excellent transition from the already refined façade decoration of the National Bank to the completely clean façade of "Metropol". The finishing treatment consisted of plaster and paint.

The windows are with wooden frames, while the circulation core features a glass façade with metal profiles covering the entire height.

The stairs in the circulation core are done in marble, with a wooden handrail positioned on the wall.

The form of "Metropol" arises from the context of its location. It connects with the recently completed National Bank by Bogdan Nestorović from 1927. The semi-rounded façade of the National Bank is essentially repeated in the "Metropol" building. Fully glazed communication cores and an atrium ensure greater natural light.

The addition of a metal sloped roof is not visible from the outside and does not disrupt the cornice or the façade of the building.

The addition of marble cladding on the façade facing the square and the side façade to the vertical communication areas. The rest of the building is finished with plaster and paint.

The entire building's carpentry has been replaced with PVC windows, except for the glass façade in the circulation core.

In the communication core, the treatment of the stairs is authentic, the handrail has been repainted, and the elevator cabin has been replaced. The glass façade in the circulation core remains unchanged.

satisfactory

satisfactory

The addition of marble cladding on the façade during the construction of the NAMA department store (around the late 1960s). Replacement of the carpentry, most notably visible on the ground floor and mezzanine. An extension of the entrance section from the side, at the ground floor and mezzanine levels (outside the volume of the building, year unknown). An extension of a glass terrace at the ground floor facing the square (outside the volume of the building, year unknown). The addition of advertising panels on the façade. The addition of a metal roof.

not protected

historical authorship architectural and aesthetic technical societal/social emotional One of the first buildings constructed in the modernist style. First centralized building constructed for the needs of the chambers of commerce. The original typology and purpose have been preserved. The building survived the 1963 earthquake and is etched in the city's memory.

Considering all the values of the building, its authenticity, and the current condition, a recommendation is made to the relevant authorities for the protection of cultural heritage and other decision-makers, to prepare a report that shall initiate the process of declaring this significant building as a cultural heritage of modern architecture of the first category in the Republic of North Macedonia. Recommendation to the owners: The value of the building should be respected when installing elements directly on the façades, and if changes are made, they should be aimed at preserving its authenticity.

Milan Zloković Foundation, https://www.milanzlokovic.org/projekat/privredni-dom/ (accessed April 15, 2025).