Design Studio (Master)
Exercise in 7-9. Semester

Lukas Imhof
Patrick Pazdzior

The Depot
Things, People and Vehicles

Solkan is one of the oldest Slovene settlements. Although rather rural at first, it developed into an important centre of the furnishing industry by the 19th Century. This once-thriving town is now part of the municipality Nova Gorica and will become - together with their Italian sister city Gorizia – European Capital of Culture in 2025. Due to its location, Solkan has also become the gate to the leisure area of the Soča valley, an alpine landscape with emeraldgreen water.

Through the last decades however, Solkan has lost many essential services and cultural institutions. The centrally located „Vino Gorica“ building, once a flourishing wine shop and supermarket, is currently empty and looking for a new purpose. The municipality itself is on the search for ideas - a multifunctional performance hall, a youth centre, creative workshops and a daycare centre for the elderly are among them. Recognizing its social role and architectural qualities, we see immense potential in repurposing this structure and its surroundings to enrich the urban life of Solkan and beyond while benefiting locals, students and visitors alike.

Topic presentation on Thursday 25.09, from 9am, HS A/1.OG, Kopernikusgasse 24