Žiče Carthusian

Ruins Protection Project (2019-2022)

According the project of Roko Žnidaršič and the architectural studio Medprostor, the fixed and movable part of the roof, a lookout point with an accessible corridor, two spiral staircases for visitors, new church walkways and the presentation of the entrance of the west façade were implemented. Sound and light equipment was installed in the new metal trusses to meet the needs of cultural events.

The modern roof is committed to the function of protecting the ruins, yet it goes beyond it by maintaining the duality of the view of the church and addressing both of its most prominent views; the "open ruin" (view from the north), while at the same time, with its fixed roof, its steep Gothic pitch and its historic roofing, it recreates the most characteristic view of the Carthusian, and visually complements the buildings that make up the southern courtyard.

The project was an interdisciplinary collaboration of several different disciplines and institutions.

The works were completed in autumn 2022, with all interventions consistently pursuing clearly defined primary objectives: 1. to preserve the character of the ruined church; 2. to preserve its documentary value and significance, its current aesthetic and visual appearance, and to preserve its distinctive scientific potential; and 3. to create conditions for the longer-term preservation of all the above-mentioned values and of all the original elements of the monument through the interventions.

In 2024, the Plečnik Prize was awarded to the project - cover of the church remains.