Intervention
Neighbourhood Dolgo Polje, Celje
An intervention in the heart of a disconnected Neighborhood
The Dolgo Polje city district lies in the immediate vicinity of Celje’s city center. However, it is physically divided by a four-lane road and a railway line running through its middle, which makes residents perceive the city center as distant and their everyday routes as long and unpleasant. Since the main road can only be crossed through poorly accessible underpasses, residents often use cars even for the shortest distances.
We focused on two groups considered most vulnerable in terms of mobility – children and older adults. Together with them, we sought answers to the following questions: how can we improve the accessibility and safety of everyday routes, and how can these routes become spaces that encourage people to spend more time outdoors and within the community?
Through observation and pedestrian counts, we analyzed patterns of spatial use. An orientation event with primary school students explored their routes to school and their perception of the environment, while guided walks and in-depth conversations with older residents revealed everyday challenges. In parallel, we analyzed existing digital platforms for citizen initiatives and compiled all collected data into a prioritized list of wishes and needs. We discussed the findings with municipal departments and neighborhood representatives. The key conclusion was clear: Dolgo Polje needs a recognizable, inclusive, and safe community space, as well as more pedestrian-friendly connections to the school and the city center.
Based on route analysis, we prepared a set of recommendations for the City Municipality of Celje regarding future improvements to public open spaces, green areas, covered communal spaces, and pedestrian and cycling connections.
We identified the area along Tkalska Street as a potential neighborhood center, as it already serves as a meeting point for existing pedestrian routes. For the wider area, we developed a proposal for a new traffic arrangement and a conceptual design for a multifunctional shared space. Through small, tactical interventions, we refreshed the identified central area in September 2025 and marked the transformation with a large community event, described by residents as the largest inter-neighborhood gathering to date.
Traffic safety was improved through a temporary ground mural on Tkalska Street, where many children cross daily outside designated pedestrian crossings. The playground renewal included the removal of worn-out urban equipment, upgrades to sports elements, installation of multifunctional seating stands for socializing, planting of a new tree, and the addition of a circular structure for play, exercise, and small events. A wall mural was also created in memory of a former local shop – an important point of collective memory.
Through small, thoughtful interventions and an intensive co-creation process, we demonstrated how Dolgo Polje can evolve from a neglected part of the city into a vibrant, intergenerational neighborhood center.
Celje • Partner: Municipality of Celje • Contributors: District Community Dolgo Polje, Pensioners’ Association Celje, First Primary School Celje, Rumeni sneg, Plesni Forum, Bar Sedmica, Pensioners’ Choir Celje • Supporters: European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) • 2025