Park Brdo is one of the larger parks in Ljubljana. Once a clay pit and farmland, the area has long been overlooked despite its important role for the western part of the city, and is now taking on a new function. Its former industrial and agricultural uses are gradually giving way to community gardens, while existing landscape features such as forest edges and areas of spontaneous growth support local biodiversity.

Our proposal for an invited competition is based on minimal intervention into existing natural qualities of the space, strengthening both biodiversity and the diversity of programmes. Existing patterns of use and local characteristics are used to establish a hierarchy of paths and programmes that complement, rather than compete with public spaces in Novo Brdo and Grba neighbourhoods, strengthening their connection to the area’s natural character.

Programming at the edges, nature at the centre

Several habitat types interweave in the area, creating a rich experience of the transition between urban and natural landscape. Diversification of green spaces enabled us to create a mosaic of microhabitats, enhance biodiversity and open up new programming possibilities. None of the proposed interventions disrupts the existing habitat types.

Throughout the preparation of the proposal, we have explored the behaviour and needs of existing users through observations, joint walks, on-site interviews and analysis of past local initiatives. We found that the area is already used by a diverse group of people of all ages and interests – walkers, athletes, schoolchildren, dog owners, cyclists, gardeners and families. The interviews showed that users greatly value the area’s natural qualities and spontaneity, while also expressing a desire for small improvements - above all better lighting, upgraded main paths and additional programmes – while retaining the "wild" character of the space.

The proposal therefore places intensive programmes at the edges of the park, connecting them with the two neighbourhoods, while the central part is kept green. New programme units respond to the monotony of the open spaces in both neighbourhoods: entrance squares, recreational areas (a sports island, fitness trail and a cycling course), playgrounds (forest playground, water play area and forest classroom), opportunities for interaction with water (wetland, beach and dog park), and smaller spaces for socialising.