T1: Tradition and Innovation in Contemporary Architecture: Preserving Local Identity
T2: Settlement Typologies in Contemporary Context
T3: Urban Density and the Image of Place
T4: The Role of Infrastructure in Shaping Regional Identity
T5: Ecology, Identity and the Built Environment: Integrating Ecology and Architectural Form
T6: Community-Based Design and its Influence on Identity of Place
T7: Economic Paradigms and Place Identity: Growth, Degrowth and Built Environments
T8: Identity by Design and Challenges of Climate Change
T9: Public Space and the Construction of Collective Identity
T10: Light and Built Environment: Shaping the Identity of Place
T11: Narratives Between Place and Space
T1: Tradition and Innovation in Contemporary Architecture: Preserving Local Identity
Track chair: prof. dr. Alenka Fikfak, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Track co-chair: prof. mag. Tadej Glažar, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Exploration of the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation in contemporary architectural practice will be debated within the wider context of preservation of distinctive local identities by design. The track examines how architects navigate the tension between respecting historical precedents and embracing new technologies and ideas. The focus is on how this interplay shapes and preserves local identity. Discussions will include the adaptation of vernacular forms, the use of local materials and the integration of contemporary design with traditional building practices. The track encourages exploration of case studies where tradition and innovation have successfully contributed to a strong sense of place. It also considers the challenges of balancing cultural preservation with the need for progress and development.
Keywords: tradition, innovation, local identity, sense of place, cultural preservation
T2: Settlement Typologies in Contemporary Context
Track chair: assist. prof. dr. Tomaž Pipan, University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty
Track co-chair: assist. dr. Kristijan Lavtižar
Historically local materials, climate, topography and production systems shaped the settlement pattern, its distinct character and its structure. In turn, the hamlets, villages and cities set the stage for distinct cultural identity. In contemporary times however, global production chains reproduce standardized materials, technologies and building approaches. This standardization brought about enlargement of historical settlements creating ever more complex and unreadable (sprawling?) spatial organizations. What are these new settlement types? Do these new typologies still support a contextual character and identity of landscape and its settlements? Does a contextual urban form exist in contemporary times? Can we create policies to support such contextualism?
Keywords: settlement typology, globalisation, local character
T3: Urban Density and the Image of Place
Track chair: assoc. prof. dr. Ilka Čerpes, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Track co-chair: assist. dr. Jernej Červek, Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Republic of Slovenia
The complex relationship between urban density and the image of a place are in the focus of this track. It tackles how different densities affect the character, vibrancy and liveability of the cities. Discussions will cover the impact of density on social life and interactions, and the overall urban experience. The track also examines how density contributes to or detracts from a city's unique identity. Case studies of successful and unsuccessful approaches to urban density are welcome in this track. The track aims to understand how urban design and planning can manage density to create positive and distinctive urban environments.
Keywords: urban density, livabilty of cities, urban experience, urban environments
T4: The Role of Infrastructure in Shaping Regional Identity
Track chair: assist. prof. dr. Luka Mladenovič, Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia
Track co-chair: assoc. prof. dr. Lea Petrovič Krajnik, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture
Track 3 examines the often-overlooked influence of infrastructure on regional identity. It investigates how transportation networks, energy systems, communication technologies, and other infrastructure elements shape a region's character and connectivity. The track will consider how infrastructure investments can support regional development while also respecting and reinforcing local identities. Discussions will cover the social, economic and environmental impacts of infrastructure projects. The track encourages the exploration of innovative approaches to infrastructure design that contribute to a stronger sense of place.
Keywords: regional identity, connectivity, infrastructure, infrastructure design
T5: Ecology, Identity and the Built Environment: Integrating Ecology and Architectural Form
Track chair: prof. dr. Saja Kosanović, University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department of Architecture
Track co-chair: prof. dr. Martina Zbašnik Senegačnik, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
The link between ecology, identity and the built environment is explored through understanding how integrating ecological principles into architectural and urban form can contribute to both environmental sustainability and a stronger sense of place. The track will cover topics such as biophilic design, green infrastructure, nature-based solutions and the use of natural systems in urban planning. Discussions aim to focus on how ecological design can enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality and create more liveable and resilient cities. The track encourages exploration of case studies where ecological design has successfully contributed to a unique and sustainable place identity.
Keywords: ecology, biodiversity, identity, built environment, environmental sustainability, resilient cities, sense of place
T6: Community-Based Design and its Influence on Identity of Place
Track chair: assoc. prof. dr. Blaž Križnik, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Department of Asian studies
Track co-chair: Manca Gjura Godec, Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia
Community engagement plays a vital role in shaping the identity of place. The track explores how participatory design processes can empower local residents and ensure that the built environment reflects their needs, values and aspirations. Different models of community-based design and their impact on architectural and urban form are examined. Discussions will cover the challenges and opportunities of involving diverse communities and stakeholders in the design process and put light into question how community participation can contribute to a stronger sense of ownership and belonging, and ultimately, a more authentic and meaningful place identity.
Keywords: community, participatory design, sense of ownership and belonging, place identity
T7: Economic Paradigms and Place Identity: Growth, Degrowth and Built Environments
Track chair: assist. prof. dr. Janez Peter Grom, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Track co-chair: assoc. prof. dr. Samo Drobne, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering
Relationships between economic paradigms, growth/degrowth and their impact on place identity are usually complex and dynamic. The track examines how economic forces shape the built environment and how these changes, in turn, affect how we perceive and experience place. The track will consider the social, cultural and environmental consequences of different economic models and how they influence the identity of place. Discussions will focus on how architecture and urban design can respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by economic shifts. The track aims to understand how to create built environments that are both economically viable and contribute to a strong sense of place.
Keywords: economic paradigms, growth/degrowth, influence on the identity of place
T8: Identity by Design and Challenges of Climate Change
Track chair: assist. prof. dr. Domen Kušar, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Track co-chair: Barbara Mušič, Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia
Public spaces have crucial role in shaping and reflecting collective identity. The track explores how public spaces such as streets, parks, squares and other typologies of public spaces contribute to a sense of belonging, community, shared experience and not least – place. Discussions will cover the design, management and social dynamics of public spaces, examining how they foster social interaction, cultural expression and civic engagement. The track will also consider the challenges facing public spaces in the 21st century, such as privatization, security concerns and the impact of digital technologies. The overall goal is to understand how spatial professionals and communities can collaborate to create vibrant and inclusive public spaces that strengthen collective identity and contribute to a sense of place. This includes considering the historical evolution of public spaces, their role in social movements and their potential to promote social equity and cultural diversity.
Keywords: collective identity, public spaces, historical evolution, social movements, interaction, cultural expression and civic engagement
T9: Public Space and the Construction of Collective Identity
Track chair: dr. Christine Mady, Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Department of Architecture
Track co-chair: Marina Lovrič, Geodetic Institute of Slovenia
Public spaces have crucial role in shaping and reflecting collective identity. The track explores how public spaces such as streets, parks, squares and other typologies of public spaces contribute to a sense of belonging, community, shared experience and not least – place. Discussions will cover the design, management and social dynamics of public spaces, examining how they foster social interaction, cultural expression and civic engagement. The track will also consider the challenges facing public spaces in the 21st century, such as privatization, security concerns and the impact of digital technologies. The overall goal is to understand how spatial professionals and communities can collaborate to create vibrant and inclusive public spaces that strengthen collective identity and contribute to a sense of place. This includes considering the historical evolution of public spaces, their role in social movements and their potential to promote social equity and cultural diversity.
Keywords: collective identity, public spaces, historical evolution, social movements, interaction, cultural expression and civic engagement
T10: Light and Built Environment: Shaping the Identity of Place
Track chair: assoc. prof. dr. Tomaž Novljan, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Track co-chair: assist. prof. dr. Matej Nikšič, Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia
This track delves into the powerful role of light in shaping the identity of place within the built environment. It explores how natural and artificial light can be used to create atmosphere, evoke emotions and define architectural spaces. The track will examine the cultural and regional variations in the use of light in architecture and urban design. Discussions will focus on how lighting design can contribute to a stronger sense of place, enhance public spaces and celebrate local traditions. The track encourages exploration of innovative lighting strategies that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
Keywords: lightening, built environment, natural and artificial light, aesthetics and environmentally responsibility
T11: Narratives Between Place and Space
Track chair: assist. prof. dr. Matevž Juvančič, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Track co-chair: assoc. prof. dr. Polona Filipič Gorenšek, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture
Movement of people and goods creates numerous encounters between users and built environment, expanding its social, cultural and political significance. The track will examine what provides a comprehensive and yet detailed insight into processes that enable creation of narrative to interpret and re-construct the spatial, social and cultural experiences while confronted with their newly established identities. Discussions will focus on how people create, through their personal and collective narratives, their multiple identities and social status. We are interested in research and papers that describe a shift from place-based and prescribed identities to newly acquired identities – the identity seen as dynamic, hybrid, complex flow of movements defining processes between morphology and typology, built and voids, open and close, place and space etc.
Keywords: personal and collective narratives, identity, social and cultural significance