contact PROSTOROŽ Ljubljana, Slovenia prostorož projects

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Tobias Logan
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prostorož projects 2004 prostorož04_atriums, Ljubljana 2005 prostorož05_parks, Ljubljana 2005 young blood, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Prague 2006 prostorož06_river, Ljubljana 2006 experiment city, Berlin

2 prostorož projects 2004 prostorož04_atriums, Ljubljana 2005 prostorož05_parks, Ljubljana 2005 young blood, Ljubljana, Belgrade, Prague 2006 prostorož06_river, Ljubljana 2006 experiment city, Berlin 2006 Nogard, Ljubljana 2007 meeting pot, Den Haag 2007 French garden, Ljubljana 2007 model street, Ljubljana 2007 visions 03, Ljubljana 2007 Slovenska street, Ljubljana 2007 Plečnik Underpass, Ljubljana 2008 prostorož08_playgrounds, Ljubljana 2008 shop windows, Ljubljana 2008 urban chairs, Ljubljana 2008 Eipprova promenade, Ljubljana 2008 winter fountains, Ljubljana 2009 prostorož09_street, Ljubljana 2009 RTV park, Ljubljana 2009 Tivoli Underpass, Ljubljana 2010 Tomaj 2010 Baroque chairs, Ljubljana 2010 Anagram, Ljubljana 2010 How to write SUPERCITY?, Velenje 2010 Our Cortyard, Maribor 2011 underpass Ajdovščina, Ljubljana contact address: prostorož Rimska ulica Ljubljana Slovenia phone: +386 (0) mail: www: FB: prostorož park Tabor Knjižnica REČI PIIP 2011 Wunsch dir was, Vienna 2011 Map of wishes, Ljubljana 2011 Aarhus on the beach, Aarhus 2011 I dreamed I was a movie star, Wroclaw Tabor, Ljubljana 2012 Tabor playground, Ljubljana 2012 Kolodvorska playground, Ljubljana 2012 Kolezija, Ljubljana 2012 Green polenta, Maribor 2012 Mladibor, Maribor 2012 Fairytale courtyard, Maribor Trubarjeva street, Ljubljana Savsko naselje, Ljubljana 2013 Čufarjeva ulica, Ljubljana 2013 Neighbours Day, Ljubljana 2013 Varietejček, Ljubljana 2013 Optimists, Ljubljana 2014 Map of wishes, Brighton 2014 Parklac, Ljubljana 2014 Trains, Ljubljana 2014 PIIP, Slovenia 2014 Day of open spaces 2014 Cocta, Ljubljana 2014 library of things, Ljubljana 2014 Public playground, Skopje 2014 National Library park, Prishtina PROSTOROŽ Ljubljana, Slovenia prostorož is a group that deals with urban space issues. We explore the space and its meaning for local residents and society in general. We primarily focus on public spaces that are often overlooked and neglected, and we seek suitable solutions in accordance with the wishes of current and potential users. Since the establishment of prostorož ten years ago, we have completed over 50 projects. With every project, we learn and expand the scope as well as the methods of our activity. Our approaches to projects vary: some are initiated on the basis of our own observations, some by invitation from local residents and organizations and others in agreement with the municipal government and other decision-makers. Our work extends between two poles. On the one hand, we are engaged in long-term revitalizations of individual neighbourhoods that include tight cooperation with citizens and organizations on a local level. On the other hand, we test different solutions to issues in the public space through temporary, short-term interventions. Our work is woven together by the search for new, alternative approaches to spatial design and management. It is based on a bottom-up principle that anticipates cooperation of a greater number of individuals on the community level in order to achieve a joint decision or express a joint wish. Therefore raising awareness of the importance of public spaces and building active communities are of crucial importance to us. We believe that diverse social groups should have open access to public spaces and we try to understand the various uses of urban space. We wish to actively contribute to co-creation of quality public spaces that provide sufficient support to individuals who use them. Such spaces are resilient and democratic, designed to promote change and spontaneity. prostorož emerged in 2004 from a wish to explore and understand the open urban space. Today it unites architects, urbanists, sociologists, lawyers and technical associates, all of whom contribute to a multi-disciplinary approach to the challenges of the contemporary urban space.

PROSTOROŽ 04_ATRIUMS Overlooked gaps between city houses Location: Various locations in the old city centre, Ljubljana Year: 2004 Type of project: Short-term intervention Context: Eleven neglected,

3 PROSTOROŽ 04_ATRIUMS Overlooked gaps between city houses Location: Various locations in the old city centre, Ljubljana Year: 2004 Type of project: Short-term intervention Context: Eleven neglected, yet interesting private and public places. Action: We singled out the characteristics and particularities of the chosen spaces. The character of each space was emphasized by a unique installation. Result: The project provided a possible solution to the problem of abandoned and neglected spaces in the city centre. After the event was over, the spaces we intervened in remained nicer and friendlier than before, which encouraged the city inhabitants and visitors to adopt them as their own. Support: City Council of Ljubljana, private sponsors

4 HOW DO YOU SPELL SUPERCITY? What are Velenje s strong points? Location: Open spaces in Velenje Year: 2010 Type of project: Short-term intervention Context: The goal was to raise inhabitants awareness of the positive qualities of their city; being part of the fabric of the city, they sometimes forget about its hidden charms and daring architectural concept. Action: We collected data on the city and sorted it into various thematic categories; this was the starting point for 16 inscriptions, 16 emphases. With the help of words we connected diverse and unique natural, spatial, historical, cultural and housing qualities of Velenje into an integral lively project. The inscriptions were adapted to their urban setting and designed in the spirit of the city. Result: Raised awareness of the positive qualities of the city. All households received a booklet which further developed the concepts emphasized in the inscriptions. Client: City Council of Velenje Support: private sponsors

WINTER INTERVENTIONS Fountain covers and custom-designed lights Location: Trubarjeva Street, squares and a park in Ljubljana Year: 2008, 2009, 2010 Type of project: Seasonal installations Context:

5 WINTER INTERVENTIONS Fountain covers and custom-designed lights Location: Trubarjeva Street, squares and a park in Ljubljana Year: 2008, 2009, 2010 Type of project: Seasonal installations Context: Relatively long winters, badly lit spaces and unattractive, provisional solutions for urban equipment contributed to a negative experience for residents in Ljubljana. Action: Each installation was designed as a separate project. The character and programme of the space were taken into consideration during the design process. Some of them were made as a response to requests of local inhabitants, some by invitation from the municipality. Our objectives behind all of them were: cheap, intriguing and easy to mount and take down. Result: Trubarjeva Street became well-lit and well recognized because of new, distinct lighting. Public squares gained new seasonal identity and got freed from illegal advertising on old fountain covers. Tabor Park became a friendly and inviting place to pass at any time of the day/night. Client: City Council of Ljubljana, Ljubljana Tourism

6 MAP OF WISHES What do the inhabitants wish for their quarter? Location: Public squares in Vienna, Ljubljana and Brighton Years: 2011, 2014 Type of project: Temporary spatial intervention Context: Residents are rarely presented with a chance to view their neighbourhood from the urban planner s perspective and actively engage in the process of planning the future of a space. Action: A large carpet a 150 m2 map of wishes represents a playful way to connect the residents with their neighbourhood. The inhabitants and visitors of the neighbourhood are invited to state their wishes or make suggestions for the neighbourhood. The wishes were written down and pinned, together with a balloon, to the spot on the map where they should be implemented. Result: The carpet turned the public spaces it was built on into meeting points where people could engage in conversation and where children could play with their friends. Playfully they thought about their neighbourhood and of the things they wanted to be surrounded by. In Ljubljana, the mayor promised to fulfil the most popular wish and Ljubljana got two new playgrounds. The wishes were mainly positive and greatly helped us and the city council in future interventions into the quarters. Client: Mladi levi Festival Ljubljana, Wiener Festwochen, Hijack Festival Brighton Support: private sponsors

AARHUS ON THE BEACH A temporary urban beach Location: Klostertorvet, Aarhus, Denmark Year: 2011 Type of project: Festival installation Context: The sea and the river have played a key role in the

7 AARHUS ON THE BEACH A temporary urban beach Location: Klostertorvet, Aarhus, Denmark Year: 2011 Type of project: Festival installation Context: The sea and the river have played a key role in the establishment and development of Aarhus. The biggest Danish port, which was developed near the city, has contributed to the growth and blossoming of Aarhus. Today, when we walk through the streets of Aarhus, we don t feel the influence of the sea or the beach anymore. Action: During the Aarhus festival the square of Klostertorvet was transformed into the beach which served as one of the festival venues. Result: The installation changed the perception and use of the square during the festival period. Client: Aarhus festival Support: private sponsors, Slovene Embassy

8 ČUFARJEVA STREET STREET OF YOUTH! Transforming public space with bold intervention Location: Čufarjeva street, Ljubljana Duration: 2013 Type of project: participatory street renovation Context: Čufarjeva Street connects a wide variety of cultural and educational institutions, including two elementary schools, a high school and a kindergarten. The street was very dangerous for pedestrians even though it is defined as a pedestrian zone. Action: The project was conceived as a pilot project that will try to find ways to regulate the street from the bottom up. Pupils from nearby schools and kindergarten, their parents and neighbours were part of the project and themselves suggested improvements. The street was transformed with a set of three activities: colouring northern half of the street, conversion of a 50 meter long fence along the street into play equipment, and manufacturing of urban furniture. Result: Children and young people created the space they wanted to have. Due to the width of the street it can become a space for playing, sitting, chatting, observing, meeting, waiting, entertainment, socializing,... With partial closure of the street, we drew the attention to and opened up discussion on the regulation of motorized traffic within the city. Support: City Council of Ljubljana, local schools, private sponsors

OPTIMISTS Provocation for alternative use of public space Location: Museum square, Ljubljana Year: 2013 Type of project: Ambient installation Context: The installation focused on water and shade, two

9 OPTIMISTS Provocation for alternative use of public space Location: Museum square, Ljubljana Year: 2013 Type of project: Ambient installation Context: The installation focused on water and shade, two indispensable elements of urban space in the summer. It was placed on a square with water surface area, which had been empty since the square was constructed ten years ago. Action: As part of the U3, Triennial of Contemporary Art in Slovenia, four sailboats were placed on the abandoned fountain in Museum Square. Passers-by had the opportunity to climb on the boats and enjoy in the water. Result: After ten years of stagnation, the owner of the square decided to renovate the fountain and permanently fill it with water. The project was commissioned as part of U3 Triennial of Contemporary Art and Ljubljana Green Capital.

PLAYGROUNDS Unusual stories created with minimum resources Location: Ljubljana Year: 2012, 2014 Type of project: Permanent site design Context: The majority of urban playgrounds are pre-fabricated

10 PLAYGROUNDS Unusual stories created with minimum resources Location: Ljubljana Year: 2012, 2014 Type of project: Permanent site design Context: The majority of urban playgrounds are pre-fabricated and their use is pre-programmed. There was a need such playgrounds that could trigger children s imagination and become a landmark of the location at the same time. Action: The construction of playgrounds focuses on storybuilding and relates the playground to the wider spatial and social context (e.g. the proximity of the train station, the name of the neighbourhood ). The specific function of some elements is left open and therefore open to individual use and interpretation. Result: Distinctive playgrounds that develop children s imagination and connect them with the public space that surrounds them. Client: City Council of Ljubljana, Ministry of Culture

TABOR PARK Programme-focused neighbourhood regeneration Location: Tabor quarter, Ljubljana Year: 2010 - on-going Type of project: Long-term urban regeneration Context: Park Tabor is a historically

11 TABOR PARK Programme-focused neighbourhood regeneration Location: Tabor quarter, Ljubljana Year: on-going Type of project: Long-term urban regeneration Context: Park Tabor is a historically important meeting place for the local community that has slowly degraded for the last 20 years. The residents noted that the park lacked green spaces and places to socialize. They felt fear and discomfort caused by negative perceptions of the place. Interestingly, the residents of the neighbourhood did not feel connected with the neighbourhood anymore. Action: The regeneration of Park Tabor started as a long-term project that would restore the park s position as a meeting place for the neighbourhood, a place where the residents like to spend their time, and where new stories about the park and community are created. The first step of the regeneration was the physical renovation of the park and its equipment. The second step was about breaking prejudices. To change people s perception of the place and diminish the negative image of the park, prostorož started organizing a free summer programme of different events in collaboration with local institutions and individuals. Result: The Park developed into a vibrant, creative and diverse urban place. Park Tabor became the starting platform for activities of various creative, active groups or individuals, which empowered them to start individual projects on their own. Support: City Council of Ljubljana, Ljubljana Tourism, Ministry of Culture, EU Culture, local institutes, volunteers

SAVSKO NASELJE Building local community Location: Ljubljana Year: 2013 - on-going Type of project: Integrated urban renewal Context: Savsko naselje is one of the first neighbourhoods, constructed

12 SAVSKO NASELJE Building local community Location: Ljubljana Year: on-going Type of project: Integrated urban renewal Context: Savsko naselje is one of the first neighbourhoods, constructed after the WW2 in Ljubljana. In the last decades the neighbourhood regressed in the social, spatial and economic sense. The public space is decaying, the social community is weak, the crime rate is increasing, the central municipal services have moved out of the neighbourhood, the age and social structure of the residents has changed. Action: Through organized and spontaneous community meetings we formed a programme of regeneration on several levels: social and cultural activities, sports, informal socialising, bottom-up spatial vision and traffic plan for the neighbourhood. Each resident can participate in discussion on topics that interest him/her. In two years time several experts, municipal institutions and NGOs have joined the regeneration process. Result: Integrated urban regeneration focuses on community as well as on space. Through several smaller projects, actions, events, together with three other associations, we are empowering the locals with revitalization of public space. Our work presents a pilot project in Slovenia and already serves as an example in Ljubljana and other Slovenian cities. Client: City Council of Ljubljana Support: Regional development Agency, local inhabitants, Creative Europe, private sponsors

Excellencies, Dear colleagues from other agencies and organizations, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Excellencies, Dear colleagues from other agencies and organizations, Ladies and Gentlemen, Address by Dr Mechtild Rossler Deputy Director of UNESCO s World Heritage Centre The UNESCO Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape on the occasion of the European Heritage Heads Forum Leuven, Belgium,