RENOVATION OF THE TOWN SQUARE AND KLOBOVSOVA STREET IN ŠKOFJA LOKA

CLIENT
Municipality of Škofja Loka

PROJECT YEAR
competition 2013, 1st Prize
project 2022 - 2024
construction 2023 - 2025

ARCHITECTURE OFFICE
Ravnikar - Potokar arhitekturni biro d.o.o.

ARCHITECTURE
Robert Potokar, Ajdin Bajrović, Tina Gradišer Kaštigar, Javier Carrera Arias, Brigita Kočnik, Špela Ščančar

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
dr. Tanja Simonič Korošak

SCULPTURE
Boštjan Drinovec, academic sculptor

URBAN FURNITURE
Studio Miklavc, Jure Miklavc, Jaka Verbič, Jože Carli, Silva Cimperman

PHOTOS
Virginia Vrecl, Tadej Škofic, Miha Lorenčak

The redevelopment of the Town Square and Klobovsova Street in Škofja Loka is rooted in respect for the town’s historical identity, the preservation of its cultural heritage, and the reuse of recovered materials. The medieval character of the space, obscured by asphalt in the 20th century, is reinstated through a unified granite-set paving, similar to that which was present here until the 1970s. The central motif of the square is a linear drainage channel paved with rounded river stones from the Sora River, continuing as an “urban carpet” between the trees. Preserved and revitalised trees are complemented by new planting, while a fountain, Marian column and timber benches create spaces for gathering and social interaction. The square thus functions as both a circulation route and an extension of the living environment, with its spatial hierarchy defined by the most significant restored historic elements and a new bear play sculpture positioned in front of the centuries-old linden tree beside Homan House.

Most of the recovered granite setts and perimeter stones were cleaned and reused in the new paving. The redevelopment also included the renewal of municipal infrastructure, improved accessibility, level adjustments at thresholds, and the creation of safe and clearly legible pedestrian surfaces. Through a considered approach, the project restores the town’s historical and spatial identity while responding to contemporary needs and enabling high-quality use of the public space.