School of Renovation
The School of Renovation was established in 2015 at the initiative of the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia. It brings together the Faculty of Architecture, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, and the Secondary School of Civil Engineering, Land Surveying and Environmental Studies in Ljubljana. The programme responds to the shortage of skilled contractors for the renovation of historic buildings in the country by combining practical training, public awareness and professional support.
Workshops take place across the country at heritage sites proposed by municipalities or private owners. They focus on traditional building techniques, such as lime mortars and plasters, stone masonry, dry stone walling, timber structures, roof tiles, carpentry repairs and moisture problems in buildings. Each workshop lasts between one and five days and is led by architects, conservators, craftspeople and materials specialists. Participation is free-of-charge. On average, six workshops are held each year, with around 100 participants annually. Since the foundation of the Programme, approximately 50 workshops have taken place, involving more than 1000 participants.
The School of Renovation works with a wide audience: property owners, contractors, public servants, students, teachers and children. Cooperation with educational institutions has increased youth participation in recent years. Workshops are linked to the National Vocational Qualification System, enabling craftspeople to acquire recognised competences in heritage renovation.
Beyond training, the school promotes quality renovation through an biennial award for owners of well-restored buildings. Since 2018, 51 owners have received the award. Open days allow the award recipients to share their experiences with others facing similar challenges. The School of Renovation also provides technical advice and publishes guidance materials online to make professional knowledge more accessible.
The programme operates in partnership with the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia and educational institutions. Conservators regularly contribute to workshops and attend as participants, strengthening the link between theory and practice. Activities take place at nationally protected sites and at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Idrija and the works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana.
With an annual budget of €35,000, financed by the Association of Historic Towns and the Slovenian Ministry of Culture, the school has developed into a nationwide network.
The Awards’ Jury stated: “The School of Renovation responds to the real need for skilled heritage renovation through practical workshops rooted in traditional building crafts. Initiated by the National Association of Historic Towns, it demonstrates how collaboration between institutions, experts and communities can sustain living heritage and offer a model that can inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.”
Contact: Mateja Hafner Dolenc | Association of Historic Towns of Slovenia |mateja@zgodovinska-mesta.si | www.solaprenove.si