The master’s thesis deals with the issue of degraded urban areas and industrial architectural heritage, using the example of the former Delamaris factory in Izola. The central vision of the research work and the project itself is based on the belief that the degraded areas of Izola should not remain isolated and inaccessible parts of the city. They must be transformed into open, ecologically sustainable, and diverse centers that will actively generate new momentum for the life of the local community. Such an approach requires that the planning process respect the history of the location while actively and thoughtfully responding to the needs of future generations.
Participation is the central focus and methodological basis of the research. This approach marks a shift from creating spaces for users to planning with them. In order to involve the local community, an empirical participatory process was carried out among young people. Through a survey and participatory workshops, which included role-playing and a planning game, a clear collective demand was articulated for the creation of new spaces for young people, locals, and other visitors. Participants also highlighted the need to maintain access to the coast and to establish programs for young people, including addressing housing issues.
As a direct response to the needs expressed by the community, an architectural project has been designed to reintegrate the physically and visually isolated area into the urban fabric. The project envisages the establishment of a heterogeneous program structure and includes a new city park with a public beach, a hybrid youth center, student housing units, and spaces for creative workshops. The design places a strong emphasis on sustainable construction. Instead of classic demolition, the method of controlled deconstruction is used to reintegrate preserved building elements (such as brick paving and corrugated iron) into the new architectural design. In this way, the project confirms that involving people in the design of space not only leads to better architectural solutions, but also creates a balanced urban ecosystem that residents embrace as their own.
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