Presentation Article

Materiality in Urban Space: Student Case Studies on the Experiential Path to Rožnik Hill

ABSTRACT

Through an analysis of a conceptual design for an experiential trail to Rožnik Hill, the study discusses the symbiosis between materiality in design and human perception. It examines how spatial planning co-shapes the human experience of the environment. The presentation of the student project, consisting of practical design examples, addresses the question of how we can deepen our relationship and connection with nature. The research focuses on a design approach that stems from the location itself and the experience of space. The study explores how spatial planning can deepen ideas related to social context, urban spaces, and landscape through the design process. The proposed interventions apply principles of sustainability through the use of sustainable materials and recycling. As solutions to spatial problems, the designs encourage innovative and multifunctional approaches with various usage scenarios. Through the project, the authors aim to demonstrate how spatial design can strengthen spatial awareness and contribute to the formation of cultural identity. The research also addresses broader questions directly related to materiality in shaping rational and sustainable urban experiences. The findings highlight the challenge of translating the abstract meaning of a path into a tangible spatial experience, expressed through various reinterpretations of the site from the perspectives of young designers. The concepts of recreation and relaxation can be experienced in multiple ways, and the research contributes to this understanding through a multifaceted approach to creative urban space design.

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Keywords

materiality urban design sensory engagement site-specific design connection with nature relaxation spatial experience