Sonja Lapajne-Oblak facts for kids

Sonja Lapajne Oblak (born July 15, 1906 – died September 29, 1993) was an amazing Slovenian architect. She was the first woman in Slovenia to become a civil engineer. She was also the first female urban planner in her country. During World War II, she was a brave fighter in the resistance. After the war, she helped rebuild Yugoslavia.

Early Life and Learning

Sonja Lapajne was born in Šentvid pri Ljubljani in 1906. Her parents were Antonija and Živko Lapajne. Her father was a well-known doctor who worked to improve public health.

In 1932, Sonja made history. She became the first Slovenian woman to graduate as a civil engineer. She studied at the Faculty of Technology in Ljubljana.

Building a Career

From 1934 to 1943, Sonja worked as an engineer. She helped build many important structures. She checked the plans for buildings made by the state. She worked with famous architects like Jože Plečnik and Edvard Ravnikar.

In 1936, she helped design a special school building. It was the world's first school made of reinforced concrete without long hallways. She made sure the building's structure was strong and safe.

Sonja worked on many well-known buildings in Ljubljana. These included the Gimnazija Bezigrad High School. She also worked on the Gallery of Modern Art. Another big project was the National and University Library. She also helped build the King Hotel in Rogaška Slatina.

Fighting for Freedom

In 1941, Sonja joined a brave group. It was called the National Liberation Movement (NOB). This group fought against the people who occupied Yugoslavia during World War II. They were led by Josip Broz - Tito.

By 1943, Sonja was an important leader in the movement. She was captured and put in prison by the Italians. Later, she was sent to a German concentration camp called Ravensbrück concentration camp. She stayed there until the war ended. She was a survivor.

After the War: Rebuilding Slovenia

Order of Labour, Grade II

After the war, Sonja became Slovenia's first female urban planner. She helped plan how cities and towns would be rebuilt. She worked for major construction companies in Yugoslavia.

In the 1950s, she helped plan the future of the Pomurje region. This area is in northeastern Slovenia. Sonja worked hard until she retired in 1969. She was the director of the Institute for Architecture, Urban Planning and Civil Engineering in Ljubljana.

Sonja Lapajne Oblak passed away in 1993 in Ljubljana.

Special Recognitions

Sonja received several important awards for her work and bravery:

• Order of Labour, Grade II
• Order of Brotherhood and Unity, Second Class
• Order of Merit for the People
• 

  Commemorative Medal of the Partisans of 1941
  Commemorative Medal of the Partisans of 1941

Remembering Sonja

Sonja Lapajne Oblak has been honored in several exhibitions. These shows celebrate her important contributions.

In 2017, she was featured in an exhibition. It was called To the Fore: Female Pioneers of Slovenian Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Design. This show was at the DESSA Gallery in Ljubljana.

In 2018, another exhibition honored her. It was called In the Foreground: Pioneering Women of Slovenian Architecture, Construction and Design. This outdoor show was along the Krakov Embankment. It was organized by the Slovenian Academy of Sciences. Sonja was one of 20 pioneering women featured in this exhibition.