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Zeleni kare

The "Zeleni kare" project is renovation project of urban allotment gardens within a residential area near Trg padlih za svobodo (Freedom Square) in Izola. The area is located in the old town of Izola, which is classified as a monument and archaeological site and is under protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia (ZVKD). During renovation project public participation was established.

The area is surrounded mainly by residential buildings, which residents had previously used the open space of the area for gardening, but it was cluttered with fences, extensions, canopies, walls, planters, and other elements. The elements of various origins, high mesh fences and walls, paved concrete surfaces, planters, and plantings without a unified concept gave the space a chaotic and unkempt appearance, the area was inaccessible. Part of the project therefore involved cleaning and removing disruptive and inappropriate structures with the aim of establishing this urban green space as a transparent and welcoming space.

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The renovation included the design of entrance to the area and the central connecting path through the area, smaller ambiences for socializing, the renovation of the longitudinal stone wall, and the planting of shrubs and trees—mediterranean and fruit species. The connecting stone path through the area widens at the entrance from Piranska Street at the passage past the corner building, where a flowering tree has been planted. At the entrance to the central part of the square, there is an information board and a new weather station. The path continues along the upper level of the gardens to the area with high gardening beds. The division into individual gardens is marked by low walls and lines of shrubs, while the former parcel structure has been preserved. The central stone wall has been completely renovated, while the existing wells, part of the area's identity, have been preserved. With vegetation we created ambient directions (fruit trees, divisions between gardens) and green screens (covering storage areas and some facades), shade (a shaded garden with a large bench), and accents (a flowering tree at the entrance). Existing material from the construction site (stone - locally sourced sandstone and brick) was reused to build paths, curbs, and renovate walls. Vital trees were preserved, and walking surfaces were designed to be permeable and to maximize the area of rough terrain. During the participation process with residents, the need for lighting in the area became apparent, so smaller solar lights were installed along the connecting path.

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With the renovation, the Zeleni kare area has been revitalized in such a way that it is transitional and transparent, with socializing areas and sitting in the shade, while gardening activities have also been preserved. The olive tree planted at the opening of the renovation in September 2025 has a special place in the area. You can view the current data from the Zeleni kare weather station in Izola at: https://skytech.si/.

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Client: Municipality of Izola
Area: 711 m2 (phase 1)
Location: Izola, Slovenia
Project: 2024
Construction: 2025
Landscape architecture: Jana Kozamernik, Maja Vodlan, Zala Dimc
3D visualisation: David Trontelj

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