Planica nordic ski centre

Planica is hosting the ski jump contests from the early 1930’ and has gradually become a world-known centre for the World Cup Sky Flying Finals. After the years of use, the ski jumps needed a renovation and modernisation and in 2009 the decision has been made to create a Nordic Ski Centre on the site.

As Planica is set at the forefoot of the largest protected area in Slovenia and forms one of the most exciting entryways to the Triglav National Park, large sport facilities take their own, although a restrained stand.

Planica is already symbolically charged which renders all excessive design redundant. The alpine setting of this precise sport ritual is unique and recognizable. The refinement of the image is thus added on other levels, mainly on those of use and orientation.

Design follows technical and organizational requirements of a large sport facility by which it clearly reveals the new character of the space. It stands in contrast to the natural dynamics of the surrounding mountainous landscape and creates an organized, functional and technically flawless counterpart to the magnificent Alpine frame, perfected by the logic of engineering. The ski jumps that fan across the landscape introduce a spatial order that unites all elements into a non-hierarchical whole.

Authors: Matej Blenkuš, Miloš Florijančič, Klemen Kobal (studio abiro), Aleš Vodopivec, Marko Smrekar (STVAR) , Ana Kučan, Luka Javornik (Studio AKKA)
Photo Credit: Photo 1,2 Miran Kambic, Photo 3,4,5 Studio AKKA
Country: Slovenia