Revitalizing Ptuj’s Cultural Heart: The Transformation of Old Glassworks

Cultural Renaissance in Ptuj, Slovenia

The charm of Ptuj’s historic old town in Slovenia has found a new focal point with the transformation of the Old Glassworks. Executed by ELEMENTARNA, this community center project, completed in 2023, not only physically rejuvenates but also spiritually revitalizes the essence of Ptuj’s cultural heritage.

Urban Connectivity and Vibrant Spaces

The revitalization project extends beyond the Old Glassworks, encompassing adjacent streets and squares. Serving as a link between the castle hill, town, and river, it aims to create vibrant, high-quality public spaces. Vrazov Trg square and the Old Glassworks, with its intimate courtyard, offer a harmonious contrast. Vrazov Trg becomes a cultural epicenter, standing as a significant urban landmark.

Versatile Spaces for Cultural Initiatives

The Old Glassworks, initially introverted, reveals its adaptable nature during events, seamlessly opening to the street through large cantilevered doors. This flexibility transforms it into a lively public square, creating a versatile space ideal for nurturing cultural initiatives, be it for daily use or special occasions.

Bridging Old and New: A Design Challenge

The core theme of the project revolves around bridging the old and the new, addressing challenges posed by diverse structures, elevations, and user groups. Flexibility was a key consideration, leading to spaces within the complex offering maximum adaptability. Both halls can fully open, connecting seamlessly to the courtyard.

Integrating Heritage: The Old and the New

The large hall, designed as a versatile event space, incorporates adjustable stage platforms for multipurpose use. The integration of old and new is evident in the ambiance created by the walls of old houses on the ground floor, resonating the traditional character of Ptuj. A corridor in the attic, illuminated by a skylight, marks the transition between old and new.

Sustainable Material Choices

Materials inspired by Ptuj’s old city center characteristically merge existing elements into a contemporary context. River pebbles from archaeological excavations, once used for paving, were reused, restoring Ptuj’s traditional color palette. This sustainable choice aligns with modern environmental imperatives, emphasizing simplicity in architectural design.

Architectural Aesthetics: Tectonic Logic and Patina

The building’s aesthetic embraces simplicity, highlighting fundamental elements of walls, cornices, and roofs. A tectonic logic is evident in the profiled structure of visible concrete, accentuated by wooden semicircular formwork. This design choice humanizes the walls, encouraging the gradual accumulation of patina over time, strengthening its historical connection.

Engaging with the Historic Context

Surrounded by narrow streets, the building features a profiled concrete structure, softened by wooden formwork, inviting intimate engagement with its exterior. This design not only respects the historic context but also ensures the gradual evolution of the building, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Ptuj.