AKKA + Abiro: The main aspect of design is based on the profound relation between construction, constructed site, and natural site. As Planica lies on the forefoot of the largest protected environment in Slovenia, and as one of most exciting entry points to the Triglav National Park, the large sport facilities should evoke its own position. The precise planning of topography, the systematic selection and reduction of material, bold shapes and forms, all should line itself with the exciting silhouette of the mountains and the calmness of the pine and beech forest. Project works on many levels and relations: solid versus soft, resistant versus ephemeral, cold versus warm, monumental versus intimate. The changes in the natural seasons, as cold and sharp mountains refer to the simple geometry of the concrete structures, to the revealing colors of the late summer, when the sensation of the wooden details is exposed.

Ski jumps are normally designed to facilitate large competitions with enormous infrastructure and logistics. When more than 15,000 people come to this fragile valley, the form of the architecture seizes to exists, as its operational function holds the crucial role. But on the everyday situations, when few of the young ski jumpers would come to train in solitude, its simplicity, respect toward the site and robustness is awaken again.

Nordic Ski Centre PLANICA
Location: Planica, Slovenia
Client: Ministry of Education and sport
Area: 22 ha
Competition: 2009; 1st prize ex aequo
Authors: AKKA (Ana Kučan, Luka Javornik, Eva Zupan), Abiro (Matej Blenkuš, Miloš Florijančič, Klemen Kobal)
Photos: Miran Kambič

consulting:
cross country: Uroš Ponikvar
structural engineer: Vojko Kilar – FA
traffic: Špela Sitar – Tegainvest
water flow control: Rok Fazarinc,
lightning: Arcadia Lightwear