The master’s thesis examines the area of Košir’s Mill in Škofja Loka. The town, located at the confluence of the Poljanska and Selška Sora rivers, boasts a rich history of more than a thousand years and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Slovenia. The mill, located on the left bank of the Selščica river, just below the famous Stone Bridge, was first mentioned at this location in 1309. It operated under various ownerships until the 1960s. Today, with the exception of one residential unit, the mill is uninhabited and visibly deteriorating. With its centuries-old history, it represents an important part of the cityscape, but due to its inaccessibility, the location is currently completely underutilised. In its current state, it interrupts the connection between the new and the old town centre and neglects the potential of its micro-location by the riverside.
As a solution for the revitalization of the area, I propose a multigenerational creative centre based on the rich handicraft and performing arts tradition of the town. The purpose of the proposed centre is to offer a space where users of different backgrounds meet and get acquainted with art. The centre introduces new programs of group workshops, courses, and therapies focused on visual, performing, and musical arts, while also providing a space for work and collaboration for independent creators. This mixed approach creates an open environment, which establishes and strengthens social ties and promotes the exchange of knowledge. In this way, traditional knowledge is preserved, connections with new technologies are developed, and, most importantly, art and its significance are organically and informally brought closer to diverse users. In addition to it being an important meeting point for the local community, this program introduces new content into the cultural and tourist offer of the town, attracting visitors from other regions, which would additionally encourage cultural decentralisation.
The proposed centre with a mixed public and semi-public program comprehensively utilises the picturesque, but currently inaccessible location by the river, while also being in the immediate vicinity of local service and educational institutions, enabling access for diverse users. The new infrastructure also addresses spatial problems of the existing Multigenerational Center of Škofja Loka and the DUO Craft Centre, which do not have their own workshop spaces.
The proposed program of the Loka art space promises to revive the cultural life of Škofja Loka and encourage greater community connections, new opportunities for cultural exchange, and decentralisation.
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