Complex Novi trg in Novo mesto renovation project

The project is an exploration of architecture in the age of climate emergency and is aimed at finding solutions that would improve degraded public areas in the town of Novo mesto. As construction has a significant impact on the environment, the project also tackles the question of durable and sustainable planning suited to the needs of our modern society.

Of all degraded areas in Novo mesto, the one that has the most potential is the Novi trg building complex. It has all the makings for positively contributing to the town and its inhabitants, but its current state and use preclude it from doing so.\r\nThe complex is situated at a very important location in the city centre and is surrounded by large, unused outdoor spaces. The complex consists of four buildings with spacious interiors that are flexible in terms of potential layouts, making them ideal for various cultural and educational activities which are already located in the town, but lack the space to operate. Each building has its own individual layout of structural elements and its own ambience. Because of this specificity, very diverse spaces can be established, ranging from small, enclosed spaces to large, entirely public ones. Thus, the new community centre can host four distinct programmes: mediatheque, workshops, multipurpose hall and art gallery.\r\nThe renovation of the complex follows three clear rules. 1. USE WHAT ALREADY EXISTS: the buildings are stripped to their core reinforced concrete structure. 2. DO MINIMAL POSSIBLE MATERIAL INTERVENTIONS: the architectural space is not designed by addition, but rather by subtraction. With a series of cut-outs in the structure of the building, fragmented interior spaces are joined together and opened towards the exterior. 3. USE ELEMENTS THAT ARE REUSED OR RECYCLABLE AND DISMANTLABLE: waste materials from the strip-out are not disposed of as construction waste but are reused to the maximum possible extent. All new elements are recyclable and dismantlable, so that they can be re-used in the future.\r\nThe renovation takes spaces that are currently unfrequented and are gradually falling into disrepair and turns them into bright, airy spaces that open to the town. The Novi trg Community Centre becomes a venue for informal socialisation, various everyday activities of the inhabitants of the town and a space where people can spend their free time.