LIGHT CAPITAL

research & urban design studio, berlage institute, rotterdam, 2005

The Berlage Institute in Rotterdam has been asked by the City of Ljubljana to prepare an independent view on the city’s urban development opportunities. The thesis studio was taught by professor Markus Schaefer, Hosoya Schaefer Architects and Marijn Spoelstra, Mountainworks (financial consulting).

Ljubljana should be well positioned for dynamic urban development. With the independence of 1991, joining the EU in 2004, introducing the Euro in 2008 and the EU presidency of the same year, the economic boom of the region should also show itself in urban development. Yet the city is stagnating. Suburbanization, traffic problems, improvised uses, aborted projects and not so successful shopping streets are characteristic for the city.

After an analysis of the real estate mechanism not a masterplan was developed, but a strategic plan with a vision (Light Capital), a plan (for ring and city) and strategic projects each accompanied by a business model. The aim was to furnish the planning authorities with a portfolio of investment opportunities, embedded in an overall development strategy for the city.