Union EXPO

The project prominently features a high-quality open public space, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in sustainability and design. Ljubljana is increasingly experiencing the negative effects of climate change. The city centre, commercial and industrial zones are overheating, flooding is becoming more frequent, and the water
retention capacity is diminishing. In this context, we investigated the potential for redeveloping the area of the former Union Brewery in Ljubljana. Relocating the production facility will enable the creation of a new residential, educational, and cultural district that is well-connected to the centre of Ljubljana. The project aimed to develop a programmatically diverse, sustainable, and heavily greened urban space that, despite its high building density, would enhance living conditions and contribute to the city’s adaptation to climate change. The design incorporates a grid structure that connects the complex of buildings, establishing visual unity while emphasising their diversity. The central motif is the use of circle units, arranged in a grid to create an organic whole with varied functions that also enhance the area’s green factor. Features such as vegetation, water elements, rain gardens, and green roofs help improve the microclimate, increase biodiversity, and facilitate water retention and filtration. The result is a structured yet dynamic landscape featuring a diverse range of high-quality green environments.