11/21/2024
Architect Boštjan Vuga sees the European Capital of Culture as a momentum for the creation of a holistic vision for the area of Nova Gorica Railway Station, which will reach into the future beyond 2025.
"My experience with what was then Europe's most open border ended up in front of a misdemeanour judge. Shortly after crossing, a comrade policeman emerged from the trees, took my details, called my father, and taught me that a national border is a serious matter—and that I was a young offender," recalls Boštjan Vuga about his border crossing from Italy to Yugoslavia. Today, he is a renowned architect and professor. His architectural studio has designed the integrated vision for the shared border area between Slovenia and Italy, known as the ECoC District, as part of the European Capital of Culture initiative.
Over the past four years, Vuga and his team have been meticulously planning how this area will come to life during the Capital of Culture year. Central to his vision is transforming the Nova Gorica railway station into a vibrant cultural, scientific, and artistic hub. This transformation will be bolstered by the relocation of the University of Nova Gorica to newly renovated and purpose-built facilities near the railway. "Here, international students, scientists, and artists will mingle with daily commuters at the station. /…/ Bars and restaurants will gradually populate the buildings surrounding the square," he envisions.
In 1995, Vuga co-founded the Sadar+Vuga architectural firm with Jurij Sadar, which has since become one of Slovenia's most prominent architectural firms. Notable projects include the Stožice Sports Hall in Ljubljana, the Brdo Technology Park, the renovation of the National Gallery in Ljubljana and the Ljubljana Chamber of Commerce building. Vuga has also been invited as a guest speaker at numerous international universities and architectural conferences, where he has showcased Sadar+Vuga's work and shared insights into broader topics in architecture and urban planning. His approach to architecture is characterised by the innovative use of materials and the creation of spaces that cater to the evolving needs of contemporary society.
Photo: Jože Suhadolnik
