The master’s thesis addresses a partially degraded gardening area in the village Šmartno ob Savi, located in the northern part of Ljubljana.
Throughout history, the means of food production have been gradually changing. Today, gardening is no longer seen as a primary source of vegetables and other crops for most people, yet the importance of self-sufficiency is growing in the context of sustainable development. Self-sufficiency allows us to produce fresh, local food and reduce dependence on industrially produced goods. In the broader urban and suburban areas of Ljubljana and its surroundings, numerous gardening plots can be found, as interest in gardening has been steadily increasing each year. The problem with these areas lies in their fragmentation, unclear designs, and poorly defined usage. Existing solutions are rarely comprehensive, and users are typically not involved in addressing existing issues or finding solutions.
The purpose of the project is to revitalize a partially degraded gardening area and to propose a new arrangement that encourages local food production. Through spatial analysis, examination of garden types, and methods of community building, I introduce a program that encourages creating connections among users and creates conditions for further community development.
The proposed program includes the arrangement of outdoor and indoor gardening plots, a public orchard, and two supporting facilities. These will house public-oriented programs, such as a market, a social space, and a multipurpose lecture hall. Together, they contribute to the creation of a space that fosters community interactions and integrates users into the local environment.
With the proposed design, I remove all garden sheds from the plots and create facilities with supporting programs, that help define the edge of the village and connect the village fabric with its surrounding green agricultural area.
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