Slavnik project is located on the sea shore, to the south
of the old city centre of Koper, Slovenia. Site is determined
by two axes: one along the new promenade to city centre, the
other directed towards the west and the seaside town of Izola.
To the south of the site, terrain rises to the densely populated
residential area of Semedela. Location places the project
into the natural gravitational core of Semedela and thus suggests
a development of central activities crucial for both Semedela
and city as a whole. Urban energy of Semedela is thus collected
and transferred into communication with the historic centre
of Koper along the old access axis, today transformed into
a city promenade. A mental link connects the city with its
suburb, the old with the new. A bridge across the roads forms
a new, safe and attractive connection between Semedela and
the promenade, and onward to the city. Directed as an extension
of the promenade itself, it spans across the Badaševica channel
where a wide stairway connects it to promenade level, with
a moving walkway that allows for easy access of strollers
and bikes.
The central element of the composition is the new square,
opening towards Semedela and naturally directing movement
towards the sea and the city. Square becomes the meeting point
of local residents, a carrier of the rediscovered identity
of Koper's southern suburb. Paving and arcades in light Istrian
stone give the ambient a clear mediterranean spirit, a rich
green border protects it from the fierce northern winds and
offers shade in the summer. A centrally located fountain adds
freshness and acts as a pleasant sound buffer. A green area
surrounded by arcades is arranged in the northeast corner,
oriented towards the sea as a green balcony. A staircase leads
from the park level to the square in front of the church.
The square is flanked by two structures that connect their
ground floor programme with local economy, thus converting
the space to a window into the new awareness of local food
production, consolidating existing and establishing new local
brands. The western structure is established as an extension
of the existing kindergarten building. It supports the western
edge of the square with arcades and serves as a buffer between
the introverted garden of the kindergarten and the bustle
of the square. Ground floor comprises 7 new playrooms for
the kindergarten and various public programmes, upper floors
house a day centre for the elderly, medical and cultural programmes.
The higher structure on the eastern side with spacious arcades
houses retail and services on the ground floor, with a new
loggia as a meeting place at the entrance to the square. The
upper floors rise to 14th floor in terraces, with a possibility
of various housing alternatives.
The lower floor of the complex with access from the road comprises
a larger food shop, an outdoor ecological market and various
smaller shops. Behind are two floors of parking spaces, their
excellent accessibility from the road infrastructure provides
a great starting point for walks on the promenade.
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