Despite the rapid development of new forms of work, cultural and social activities, many smaller settlements often lack the space to serve as creative and entrepreneurial hub. Degraded industrial areas represent an opportunity to establish these spaces. The municipality of Bohinj is facing a situation where all existing capacities are occupied by tourist activities. The wider area of the railway station in Bohinjska Bistrica represents a space where new spaces for young entrepreneurs and creatives could be developed.

The revitalization of the area included:

1. Layout of the passenger terminal
2. Park near Belica creek
3. Short-term program revitalization

Layout of the passenger terminal

We prepared an integrated plan for the revitalization of the area next to the railway station for the municipality of Bohinj. This included spatial research for the location of the main bus station and soft measures to revive the abandoned buildings of the Bohinj Construction Company. All proposed arrangements would change the area into an economic centre for Bohinjska Bistrica, providing a vibrant social scene.

Short-term program revitalization

We saw the potential to transform one of the abandoned buildings into a new community centre. After several meetings with interested stakeholders, we identified a desire for a space for the creative sector and smaller local entrepreneurs. In May 2019, the space was cleaned up with the help of a local youth organization and the kids from the local primary school. In autumn, we re-examined the wishes of local stakeholders together with the municipality and found that there is a very strong need for a coworking space. For this purpose, we prepared an educational trip for the municipality of Bohinj. We took them to various premises and helped them prepare an event to meet interested tenants. After the end of the open call, we helped new tenants to arrange common areas and provided architectural advice for offices.

The revitalization of the Gradbena area was based on the needs of residents, small businesses and creative individuals who were constantly involved in the activities. With the test phase, we researched the wishes and needs and looked for the best way to breathe new life into the Gradbena area and create new stories there. We organized several work events, two public debates, and several meetings with employees of the municipality of Bohinj. Today, most of the space, from storage and workshops to office spaces, is rented out. The building came to life in a new light. It is inhabited by a distillery, printing house, sugar packaging plant and other smaller companies, as well as Kamra - a new gallery and project space that hosts exhibitions, workshops, and cultural evenings.