Planica, located in a small village Rateče and surrounded by the peaks of Julian Alps and the Karavanke. Planica is best known for one of the largest ski jumps in the world. It was at Planica, that the first human in history jumped over 100 m on skis, later also exceeding the 200 m distance.
As a part of a major expansion in Tamar Valley, the Planica Nordic Center includes a new central building located near the end of a cross-country skiing tracks. The circular building is located in the middle of the overall composition and provides a variety of establishments to visitors and users. It contains a vast underground garage, which can be transformed into an indoor cross-country ski track in the summer or a large press and conference area during competitions or when needed otherwise.
The Concept of the Center is emphasizing the delicacy of architectural lines and construction. The principle is maintained throughout an overall interior design, being a main thread and guideline in the smallest details. The concept follows the circular scheme of the building, around its central part – the wind tunnel. In addition to carefully selected materials, textures and colour, there is a well rounded organization of exhibition panels and showcases. These elements are flexible / folding with an intent of multifunctionality of space. The aim was to create a light, clear and translucent exhibition, which allows natural light to enter and fill the space, but simultaneously connects the interior to surrounding landscape. The visitor can therefore almost touch and feel the main reference of the exhibition – one of world's higest ski jumps.
Other than the museum, the concept was encapsulated in the children’s playroom, simulator of ski jumps, multimedia space and stamp and badge section. Multimedia section condenses the historic materials and offers information through an interactive game with multiple players and thus presenting a visitor to an all-embracing experience.
The new circular building of Interpretational center Planica serves as a compliment to sport, culture, history, science and nature. The museum offers a clearly interpreted representation of the essential story of Planica, not only as a part of an exhibition, but involving a comprehensive presentation of the Nordic center. Whereas the landscape of Planica and Tamar valley are paved with sport till the very last hidden nook of the scenery, the interiors are moving away from the physical towards the digital contents. Wherein the visitor plays a major role, since the digital contents work as an interactive platform, adapting the contents and the exhibition to every individual with respect to their interests. Simultaneously the contents provided in museum and the information provided on the web are close-knit and work as a unit. The building with its multifunctionality provides various uses, interiors can swiftly adapt to different events, the furnishing is party or entirely removable, allowing the users a numerous different uses of the building and opening the space for larger gatherings.
The graphic design concept of the exhibition, follows the clean and minimal tone set by the interior architecture of the building. Abundant imagery on glass displays guides visitors through history of ski jumping, offering them either a detailed story or just a brief overview. A horizontal timeline starts on the first floor in 1920, and travels throughout the whole museum right up to the present day. Halftone images, visible from both sides, make visual markers and emphasise the idea of transparency, present in the architecture of the building. In addition to the story there are 12 circular and ten vertical showcases reinforcing the experience with images and objects.
Project Details:
Location: Planica, Rateče Planica, Slovenia
Area: 1,500 sqm
Interior design and museum concept: Trost & Associates Architecture
Architect in charge: Jan Trošt
Design team: Jan Trošt, Peter Krapež, Marko Ličen, Mateja Ličer, Nejc Trošt
Photographs: Miha Bratina
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