A space where architecture becomes a tool for equality – created for those who experience the world differently
In the competition proposal for the IRIS Centre, the team made a conscious decision to reinterpret some of the competition requirements, in particular the stipulation that the residential home must be located in an existing listed building. After careful consideration, they proposed a different layout of programmes: the professional centre and the administration were located in the existing building, while the hostel and the school were envisaged as part of the new building. This solution is considered more functional and provides more suitable conditions for children, especially in terms of natural lighting, quietness (away from Jamova Road), accessibility and technical and fire safety.
The programme strands (kindergarten, school, dormitory, professional centre with administration, common areas and gym) are functionally linked in the concept of a “city within a city”. All the ground floor spaces form a circular link around the inner atrium, allowing easy orientation and sharing of spaces. The main entrance is on the north side, along Langus Street, which allows for a good separation of traffic regimes and keeps the southern, sunny part of the area free for outdoor activities. The motor vehicle access and the 46-space underground garage are also located at the northern edge, while the access from Jamova Street is prevented by the security features.
The school, as the largest programme strand, is located in the western lamella. It comprises primary and secondary school programmes organised on three floors. The classrooms on the ground floor have direct contact with the outdoor learning spaces, while the roof of the ground floor serves as a sports area. The school is located in the north-eastern part of the site, with access from the west, and comprises three floors of living space organised around a central core.
The Expert Centre and the administration occupy an existing listed building. Due to its character and orientation, this programme is the least demanding in terms of spatial flexibility, light and silence, allowing for a respectful use of the historic structure. At the same time, the proposal foresees the reactivation of the main entrance on the Jamova Street side, thus symbolically reconnecting the building to the city.
Particular attention has been paid to transport and pedestrian accessibility. Pedestrian access is via Langus Street, where existing conditions need to be improved with pavement and tactile markings. The cycling infrastructure is separately organised, with several cycle racks at individual entrances. The gym has a separate entrance and is also accessible in the afternoon, with a system of separation of functions when the centre is not in regular use.
Natural starting points, in particular solar radiation, were key to the siting of the individual volumes. The NW-SE orientation allows for optimum natural light, which is important for teaching and living. The atrium is designed to provide shade in summer and sufficient sun in winter. Noise from the Jamova Road poses a sensory challenge, so the home is sited away from this source. Morphologically, the design relates to the surrounding buildings – the fairy character to the west, the commercial lamellae to the east and the institutional ministry building to the north. The vertical accents of the two main lamellae (school and hostel) establish a balance with the existing structures. The atrium in the centre creates a calm space which is also the heart of the design. Structurally, the building is designed as a combination of reinforced concrete and timber frame. The structural grid allows for long-term flexibility and adaptability of use. The internal partitions are furniture elements that allow for multifunctional use of classrooms, the possibility of connecting or sharing, and areas for children to calm down and socialise have been added.
In terms of sustainability, the building meets a number of objectives: minimal use of concrete and aluminium, use of CLT panels, natural ventilation and shading, planned longevity of materials (e.g. carbonised wood using the yakisugi technique), use of natural insulations and plasters. The façade is free of thin-film systems, and the plaster applied directly on the solid masonry ensures a long life and a favourable microclimate. The windows are designed with an emphasis on usability and protection against overheating, with motorised internal blinds and fixed external elements. Their installation in the depth of the wall allows effective shading and glare prevention. The ventilation system includes a natural and a mechanical part, with sensors and local shut-off to prevent heat loss.
Special emphasis is placed on users with special needs, especially the blind and visually impaired. The design follows the principles of tactile, acoustic and spatial legibility: clearly divided sections, straight and logical paths, recognisable wood textures for orientation, uniform lighting without contrasts, acoustic control with natural materials. Corridors are articulated, with accentuated structural elements to facilitate orientation.
The landscape design includes an atrium as a central space for learning and socialising, a sensory garden, outdoor classrooms, an orientation and mobility polygon and rooftop sports areas. All outdoor programmes are accessible, sensory-rich and adapted to different users. The emphasis is on interaction with nature and a variety of sensory experiences (touch, smell, sound, light). Due to the siting of the larger volumes in the northern part of the site, the sun exposure of the existing dwellings is maintained. The insolation is verified by numerical analyses and does not exceed the provisions of the zoning act. The atrium provides summer shading and winter insolation, allowing its use throughout the year.
The overall proposal is based on an understanding of the specific target user group – children and young people with special needs – and the client, who wants a rational and high-quality architecture without unnecessary symbolic gestures. The building is designed as a robust, flexible, sensual and architecturally restrained solution, which, through a calm and functional expression, allows the creation of a quality learning and living environment for the most vulnerable groups.
Authors of the competition solution: Matej Blenkuš, Katja Cimperman, Deja Đukić, Sara Ambruš, Grega Valenčič, Aleksander Cifer, Dr. Ana Kučan, Lara Gligić, Pia Kante
| Year of the competition: | 2025 |
| Customer: | Ministry of Education |
| Collaborators: | Val Brudar, Alja Bedenik, David Dobovšek |
| Static: | Uroš Žvan |
| Other engineers: | Biba Muhič, Lara Humar |
| Visualisation: | Matej Mejak |
| Awards, publications: | Buy-back by public tender |
