The Thesis explores the history, issues and the future of agricultural development in the Vipava Valley region. The role of the Vipava river from its source in Vipava to the border with Italy is highlighted. Throughout history, it has nurtured the landscape with water, brought fertile soil to the area and powered more than 100 stone mills and ironworks, most of which are now in a poor state and share the joint fate of decay. In this thesis, I explore the importance of reusing these stone mills. Although forgotten, they are important for their historical and cultural role, their strategic location along the Vipava river and their close proximity to fields, vineyards and orchards.
More specifically, Fužine and the associated mill at the Hubelj river spring above Ajdovščina, where iron was once produced and processed. In this area, Agricultural Technology Centre is placed, a multifaceted organisation aimed at bringing together different communities, addressing and solving current problems in farming and agricultural developing. The concept proposes to extend the current situation and preserve the existing ruins. The addition of new buildings takes into account the urban and historical principles and is complementary to the existing situation. A clear boundary between new and existing is established through form, materiality and perception. The project presents Fužine ob Hublju as a reference example for the renovation of other mills, which would support the development of agriculture and other activities in the Vipava region with new, appropriate programmes.
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