Center of Ankaran

The thesis deals with the issue of public space from a theoretical and design perspective. It emphasizes the active role architecture can play in the preservation and construction of truly public space. The thesis also proposes a concrete design scheme for such a public space on a select site in the small town of Ankaran on the Slovenian coast.

The architectural project for the center of Ankaran is a case study on how to materialize public space in a local community. As defined in the conclusion of the theoretical discussion of public space in the first part of the thesis we source two particular references: the project Fun Palace, (C. Price), which defines architecture as a sort of infrastructure that allows the development of programs, while the second is Teatro Oficina (L.B. Bardi), which suggests ways of rethinking established approaches towards the design of public spaces. The idea of the center of Ankaran is thus based on the proper positioning of the center in relation to the town, on the architectural design of the building and the selection of an appropriate program.\nPlacing in space – urban proposal The building is sited next to the proposed coastal promenade connecting Ankaran to neighboring towns. The proposed urban plan defines the park and camp as an area for public programs. By siting the building in the once exclusively camping resort we are erasing the established division between inhabitants and seasonal or daily tourists. This urban intervention connects the town with the coast, rationalizes the proposed public programs and creates synergies between different stakeholders.\nArchitectural design This simple, compact design references the existing objects in the surrounding park, most of which were made in the 1950s and 1960s, together with the creation of the camp and the town proper. The pavilion structure responds to these various characters and uses of the strongly defined Mediterranean park. Its materiality is firmly grounded in the specific local context. \nProgram The program proposed for the center building has been defined on the basis of the conclusions in the social research, proposals from the local community and the specific built and natural features of the settlement. The cultural and community center and the library are joined based on their compatibility and common objectives – that is, to encourage users to step into a heterotopia, thus opening the space up for action.