The Municipality of Kobarid is facing a pressing issue among the youth – the housing problem. Despite its ideal location in the heart of nature, developed industry, and rich cultural and historical heritage, the number of residents is decreasing, and the average age of the population is increasing.
The lack of available housing and buildable plots, unfavorable housing finance policies, the unaffordability of real estate, and the lack of modern job opportunities have forced young people to move to larger urban centers, despite their desire to return to their hometowns. The rapid development of tourism and the renting out of secondary apartments and additional units have only exacerbated the housing problem for young people in the Municipality of Kobarid.
The master’s thesis systematically approaches solving the housing problem of the youth by analyzing the spatial identity of the area. It examines the geographical framework of the Municipality of Kobarid, its historical and cultural landmarks, and the local economy. The economic-tourism aspect of the housing problem is analyzed in detail, along with the solutions proposed by the municipality. A survey conducted among the youth confirms the presence of the housing issue and involves them in the co-creation of the living space. By analyzing the typical Kobarid house, summarizing the typological elements of building typology in Kobarid, selecting a plot, and considering examples from abroad, an idea for a potential solution to the youth housing problem is formulated.
The conceptual solution to the housing problem is a 3-story building with a parking lot in the basement, which incorporates and reinterprets traditional elements of building typology in Kobarid. With a carefully planned layout, a street, a square and an atrium are formed, providing a space for socialization and gathering. The building’s private residential section accommodates 102 young people over 2 floors, while the public ground floor meets the sports, work, and social needs of the youth. The building is integrated into the surrounding fabric of Kobarid, connecting the old town center with newly built structures and marking the entrance to the town of Kobarid.
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