“Already?” is the most common response by anyone who hears about our active preparations for this fall’s competition. Organizing a competition is much like moving. You can only imagine how much work it really takes, how grateful you are when someone offers help and what levels of excitement you can reach when it’s over successfully. And, yeah, there is some colorful language involved when you accidentally drop something and it (metaphorically) lands on your toes.

Anyhoo, what exactly is our team doing? We are busy preparing the task, which is still officially undercover but I can promise it will be very engaging. With a lot of help from the students of the Faculty of Social Sciences we’ve made a preliminary survey among the people who will be in direct contact with the new installation to better understand their needs and listen to their proposals. The results of these interviews revealed a variety of interesting aspects the residents miss the most in their urban surrounding. But hey, let’s keep some mystery for the fall, right? ;)

Another interesting part is visiting the faculties. We’re proud to say we’ve met some great professors, lecturers and professionals on a couple of well-known faculties in different countries who helped us with the task and have agreed to include the project in their curriculum. Other forms of cooperation will also take place and you can again expect the presentations on faculties.

Then there’s the visual. Certainly a fun task for our creatives, who are eagerly brainstorming, designing, writing, re-writing, snapping photos, programming and sometimes just sitting around drinking coffee and perusing design magazines to find the latest news to put on our Facebook page. By the way, yeah, we have just launched a new Facebook page and you’re welcome to check it out. It will soon be completed with said visuals (that will be also performed as posters, leaflets and banners) and we will proudly reveal a re-designed official page as well.

Last but not least: the extra activities. Last November, the second-placed proposal in the 2007 competition was permanently realized in front of the Tivoli sports hall (Hala Tivoli). The pavilion, attracting much attention from passers-by will most likely serve as a creative information spot – and certainly a nice reference.

So, now that we got the activities covered – what’s new with you? Drop us a line or connect with us, the more people the merrier the competition ;)

Trimo team wishes you a happy and imaginative New year!

Click on the image below to view the greeting or visit this link:

Metelkova mesto celebrates her �sweet sixteen� these days, doing what she does best: organizing a wide variety of events to entertain her guests. Bright and colorful, fun and unexpected, with a unique taste in art and music; she truly is a teenager now. We raise our glasses in Metelkova's honor today and tomorrow. See you there!�

Today we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the start of the first moon landing mission. Neil Armstrong and Edwin �Buzz� Aldrin made the famous one small step for man on the lunar surface on July 20th 1969 while Michael Collins helmed the Columbia mother ship. The entire mission took eight days.

Now, when the gentlemen are approaching their 80th birthday (wow, already?), the rest of us are on a good track towards taking trips in space. A month ago, UK firm Foster + Partners won Virgin Galactic's international design competition therefore earning the privilege of designing world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport. Spaceport America will be located in New Mexico which is quite convenient since the extraterrestrials are said to be quite familiar with certain areas out there.

Photo source: Foster + Partners

Looking good! I'm already looking forward to annoying other passengers with memorable Star Trek quotes. *sits in the chair, finger pointing towards the monitor* Make it so.

Quite a few interesting events for those intrested in an academic approach to architecture are going on Ljubljana. Last week, �The next step: Project architecture� conference was held, hosting many prominent names like dr. Petra �eferin, dr. Pier Vittorio Aureli and prof. Kenneth Frampton. The theme of the conference was determining the role of architecture in today's world. Does it have to be viewed as a commodity in a capitalist-oriented marketplace, a service of a specific interest or is there a �third alternative�, an architecture as a project or simply: architecture as architecture?

At the risk of sounding hypocritical (the thought �But this architectural project is in fact sponsored by a large company so it is a part of a capitalist world! Oh dear!� may come to one's mind), I think we shouldn't consider architecture just as a service or a vessel for spreading commercial messages. Sure, the studios have to �sell� their architecture to make their name and more than sometimes adapt their projects to the client's likings, but we cannot ignore the role of architecture a science. A lot in architecture is like in web design � everybody notices when something sticks out because it's really extraordinary/ truly bad or not working with the entire concept as one would expect, but only those �in the business� are able to see remarkable works that others take for granted. We should evolve its philosophy. So yes, it is necessary to continue the project called architecture.

Feeling in the mood for discussion already? Well, get ready for this Thursday's �Big Architecture 09�, a conference that intends to explore the issues of relationship between quality design, creativity, sustainability and responsibility with discussions among selected architects, exhibitions and the final awards ceremony. Think big! And if in Ljubljana, drop us a line, m'kay?

Slovenian industrial designer Nika Zupanc cooperated with Trimo for this year's Superstudio Piu's exhibition in Milano, Italy. Her �objects gone indescrete� are featured in a striking architectural installation named The Doll house which at the same time serves as the world launch of Trimo's new innovative modular facade element: Qbiss by Trimo.�

With her exhibition I Will Buy the Flowers Myself, Nika tackles the established attributes of a socially stigmatized woman with her characteristic sincerity, which is here especially inspired by the stories of some of the most famous female literary heroines. Her display space thus opens up through a sequence of spicy comments cast in shamelessly beautiful forms.

Here's the interview on-location, featuring Nika's exciting and sophisticated creations.

If in Milano, you can visit the exhibition until April 27th. If not, feel free to browse Nika's website. Oh, just don't buy her flowers, ok? ;)

Yesterday the Ple�nik architectural awards were presented to the best examples of Slovenian architecture in the past year. As Miha De�man, the president of the awards committee put it: �Slovenia cannot compete with the rest of the world with its size and quantity, but with quality and defying the known and usual. For that, we need self-esteem, creativity and a clear value system.� Yes!

The winners of the Ple�nik award, named after the famous Slovenian architect Jo�e Ple�nik (for our Czech colleagues, he most likely needs no introduction), were Maru�a Zorec and Martina Tepina who were awarded for their open-air altar in Brezje. The Ple�nik medals were awarded to Bevk Perovi� architects for three of their residential houses, Ale� Prin�i� for his hotel in Udine, Italy and Jure Kotnik for his book on container architecture. The Student Ple�nik award was given to Martina Male�i�, student of Faculty of Arts for her diploma work �Architects France and Marta Ivan�ek� on the two architects most recognized for their work in the field of urban residental areas for the elderly and interior design.

Brezje altar; more photos available on Miran Kambi�'s site

House D - I can see my house from there! No, really!; more photos available on Bevk Perovi� website

Hotel in Udine, Italy; photo source: RTVSlo�

Jure Kotnik: Container Architecture; more info here.�


Marta and France Ivan�ek; photo source: Trajekt.org

As we see, the awarded works are minimal, even modest in design and as the jury put it, �ignoring the world trends�. I was particularly pleased to hear Jure was awarded since his book features some awesome examples and is written so clearly that it can be understood by a layman. His diploma work on container architecture was awarded in 2006 with both Pre�ern's award for best student works and Trimo Research Award. Oh, and as if we needed another proof of how small the world is, Jure's diploma mentor was Janez Ko�elj and Maru�a helped us with introducing this year's Trimo Urban Crash to the students in Ljubljana. Go figure :)

Congratulations to all the winners. Stay creative and keep the the modern Slovenian architecture in the world's top!

Can't decide whether to use all the extra space for an outdoor greenhouse or a living room?

This guy got it all figured out and had himself built a sweet sliding house.

Remember to put something like this on your Christmas list for yours truly, *wink wink*

p.s. I wonder if this still counts as an immovable property...

Lately I've been noticing a lot of architecture-related stuff going on - and that's saying something, since I'm living in the city that its residents see as notoriously boring at most� times. Happy with the results of our competition (building all the submitted projects would probably construct a small Slovenian village - and what a crazy village it would probably be!) I took a little afternoon break for visiting Ljubljana's centre.

It was Shrove Tuesday so there were some people in masks and costumes walking around, some of them undoubtedly disguised as architects. Or not. Who knows. Anywho, I was quite taken aback when seeing the reconstruction work done on the Opera house since its new part seemed to sprout of the construction site all of the sudden. Many parts of the city are or will soon be labeled �under construction�, as the nearby Kolizej will eventually transform from a residential building into a concert/opera hall. The area around the main train and bus station will evolve into a business area, its plans promising to look quite futuristic. Also the underground parking lots are finally coming into realisation with the archaeologist currently excavating and examining the area of Kongresni park.

And that's not all. Two interesting architectural exhibitions also opened, one organized by the largest Slovenian expert association, Ljubljana architectural association, called Arhitektura Inventura (Architecture Inventory) and the other, called 11x ena hi�a (11 times one house), organized by Hi�e magazine. The first one exhibits 99 projects selected by the members of the association and serves as an overview of the future Slovenian architectural guidelines. The second shows 11 examples of single-family houses and spotlights some of the questions that architects face when designing this type of house.

I find both exhibitions interesting not only because of the creative and unique design solutions of some of the works but also because of the way the viewer is faced with them. Especially in the case of Arhitektura Inventura you don't get very familiar with the concept of designing each work, rather, it is there and you can think whatever you like of it. Maybe not a bad idea, since I can't help but overhearing some complaints from time to time about architects just trying to outdo oneanother with their work, not considering the cultural landscape. But hey � it can be thought about as a form of art so why should everything be so similar? After all, if you dress in an unconventional fashion, others might take you for a weirdo. It's your choice.

Speaking of cultural, I should drop by the library soon to finally check out the guide to Ljubljana's architecture that won one of the Slovenian book fair award for the most beautiful book. First get to know your own �village�, than the world, right?

We are probably all familiar with the Three Little Piggies story in which we learn the importance of a solid-built house. But in these trying times of unstable economy and enviromental issues we should consider using economical, non-standard materials in building and construction - forgetting the "homo homini lupus" premise, since we don't want any Big Bad Wolves coming huffing and puffing at our door.

The project that caught a lot of the spotlight this month was definitely The Wall Paper House project, designed by Gerd Niemoller. His houses, 36 sq m in size and weighing 800 kilos are primarily intended for Third World countries but could easily be adopted anywhere (traditional Japanese use of paper comes to mind).

Surfing the web I found some other awesome examples of alternative - and often seemingly fragile - materials for sustainable building homes which prove to be totally habitable.

Behold, the loofah house. In Paraguay, women generate income by growing loofah sponges and selling them as cosmetic products, while the waste specimens can be later used as a base for building material.

While on topic of recyling - you couldn't believe how many houses are built from what we basically call trash or food. Check out the inspiring story of two grandmas building a "recycled house" by themselves using newspapers, old tires, lumber, bottles and whatnot. Go, ladies! :)
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And this isn't the only house built with empty bottles. In this town in Serbia stands the epitomy of average fratboy's dream (video in Serbian) while a similar object can reportedly be found in Vancouver, Canada. Hmmm, I wonder if they own furniture like this.

With the cities growing bigger every day, the question of space also arises. Well, I'm not saying designing beauties like this would prove to be cost-efficient but hey, it beats living in a capsule hotel (what's with the obsession with Japan today, self?).

source

This XXS house stands right here in Ljubljana, quite near the last year's Trimo Urban Crash location in fact. Made by Dekleva Gregor�i� architects it offers 43 sq m of living space to one lucky couple.

If you know of a project that would fit this category feel free to post a link in the comment section. And if this sparked an idea in your creative mind - quickly, to the batmobile drawing board!

Hey guys,

It's been a great year and we hope the next one will even top it.

I speak for the whole team when I wish you all a very merry holiday season spent with the ones you hold dearest. I hope you've been good this year so Santa would fill your stocking with terrific ideas, cheerfulness and... um... world peace. Oh wait, that's not Santa, that's Miss World.

Anyhow, put down your pencils for a while, pop the champagne open and celebrate! You've earned it!

All the best to all of you and we'll be back on January.

Sad news today as legendary Danish architect Jorn Utzon passed away on Saturday, aged 90.

Utzon is most known for his design (and construction) of the Sydney Opera House. Well, most known to the specific public of architects and designers, really, since the general public usually remembers the works only. This is also definitely one of the most interesting examples of a building being made and becoming, after initial general outrage and critisism, one of the most distinctive and well-known buildings in the world.

I got to know Utzon's work a little better when I visited his exhibition in the Biennale di Venezia. What I felt can be described in two words: surprising and profoundly inspiring. Well, three words. That's how moved I was.

The exhibition was in a way a retrospective of his work, showing his rich portfolio and explaining to the layman where he found ideas and inspirations. Nature was perhaps the most influental, as we can find in his work many motives from sea to trees and influences of landscapes from Mexico to China. His understanding of shapes and mathematics was light years away from me, thus making my personal experience that stronger.

In order to pay tribute to the great mind that was Jorn Utzon, I collected some interesting and amusing examples of works inspired by his Opera House. Rest in peace and my concolences to the Utzon family.

Contribute to our blog! Professors and students from all faculties of architecture are kindly invited to post their projects or quick looks at their faculties on the Trimo Urban Crash Blog. Trimo Urban Crash team has already visited some faculties. In this post you can read about few interesting glimpses.

Milan � One-Man-House designed by students of Politecnico di Milano, Campus Bovisa

House for one man is a highly interesting experiment and good practice, designed by the first year architecture students.
The model is designed in 1:1 scale and built from OSB building board (Oriented Strand Board), made from the wood of a coniferous tree.

In the house you can see prof. Massimo Fortis, director of Campus Bovisa.

London � Imaginative practice of statics at the University of Westminster

The students� task was to create small sculptures which would bear their own weight.
To wind the project process up the students put together an exhibition where they put a model of themselves on the top of the sculpture.
In this way each construction supported its own authour.

Banja Luka � Faculty of Architecture�s first passive building

The Faculty of Architecture will re-design the exsisting building to become the first passive university building.
Projects for the renovation are already under preparation.

Belgrade � Serbia�s pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale co-designed by Belgrade students

The idea for the content of at the Serbian pavilion this year in Venice's Giardini was designed at the Belgrade Faculty of Architecture.
Take a look at the exhibition.

My my, who are these happy people? It's Urban Crash's own Maja and Borut on their "mini Czech tour" in which they also visited VUTBR -�Faculty of architecture Brno where this lovely picture was taken.

We've also heard that our Czech colleagues from this faculty are planning on visiting Ljubljana. Prima, brzy se uvid�me! :)

NOTE:�I apologize�to our Czech readers�if�I've�just written something like "stoic dog on bicycle" instead of "great, see you soon". I have much faith in online translators. Even though some cases point out I shouldn't...

Yesterday was the start of the 11th international Venice Biennale. The architecture exhibition entitled Out there: Architecture beyond building is intended, as the director Aaron Betsky points out, for addressing the central issues of our modern society.

Betsky offered the architects a chance to experiment in architecture since, in his words, architecture is not just buildings. So the architects were challenged with creating "installations, manifestos and utopian visions". With guidelines like this I must say I wasn't surprised by the large number of entries that are not (yet) applicable. Still, the jury was obviously impressed by the seemingly simple yet effective works.

Greg Lynn's Recycled Toys Furniture was awarded the Golden Lion for the Best Installation Project in the International Exhibition. His furniture reflects a witty aspect of ecology, recycling and consumerism, especially since we usually do not think of children and their seemingly innocent toys as pollutants.

Recycled Toys Furniture. Photo: La Biennale di Venezia

Poland convinced the jury with the Hotel Polonia: The Afterlife of Buildings project and won the Golden Lion for Best National Participation. The idea behind the project is finding new purpose for old buildings � in a way, recycling them. In the Polish vision the old library becomes a shopping mall, a sanctuary is transformed into a water park, a business building becomes a lot for stonecutting etc. Truly "out there".

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows...

... and its "afterlife". Photos: www.labiennale.art.pl

And what about Slovenia? We participated with Ljubljana-Venice, New Urgency For Urban Politics project, designed by Ambient and Odprti krog architecture groups. The main idea is, in the words of project curator Janko Ro�i�, removing the railway from the center of the city, thus freeing the land.

The project was actually conceived by Edvard Ravnikar in the 1950s, when he saw the solution of the railway's urbanistic problem (the railway blocks 10 streets and encompasses around 450.000 m2 of land) in directing the railway underground. That way the land in the city center is freed and the city's image can once again be shaped by architects, sculptors and other artists. In 1960s Ravnikar also applied this concept to Tronchetto area in Venice (pestered by a similar urbanistic problem) and won the tender, but the project was never realised.

Edvard Ravnikar's plans. Photo: MMC RTV SLO

The "Out there" exhibition certainly shows that there are a lot of creative minds out there. Still, we'll have to wait and see if the future truly holds a new level for architecture since the city management usually decides whether the architects' visions can be applied or simply remain utopian.