Tracing Domains

3. How did the issues on metabolic and inclusive vitalities and the questions raised by the site mutation meet?
The development of a city is a continuous process. Even in times of radical transformation, it is important to preserve the identity and found qualities of the site. Layered cities, with parts that are old, parts that are renewed and parts that are new, offer spatial diversity that attracts various users and encourages exchange and interaction. For us, this continuity is the key to inclusive transformation. Led by this principle, we approached the assignment looking for existing conditions that could become anchors for the new design.

4. Have you treated this issue previously? What were the reference projects that inspired yours?
We both worked on transformation projects before. For Iza, revitalization of post-industrial sites became the main focus and interest since her graduation project “Collage and Continuity” in 2016. In the previous Europan edition she received first place for Vierhavensblok site in Rotterdam with the “Makers’ Maze” project — proposing transformation strategy into a mixed-use neighbourhood with integrated production functions. A few years back, Xander worked for a while on the redevelopment of a large area of industrial heritage in Zaandam.
Our ambition for the Klagenfurt site was to create a variety of housing typologies for many different users. In doing so, we were inspired by built examples: affordable apartments tailored to specific needs, efficient and high quality collective housing, flexible open floorplans for combined living and working and many more.

5. Urban-architectural projects like the ones in Europan can only be implemented together with the actors through a negotiated process and in time. How did you consider this issue in your project?
The proposal follows flexible logic and outlines a method rather than strict design, allowing for changes and adjustments without compromising the main idea. We outlined a timeline for phasing, identifying how to initiate the process of redevelopment in a way that one thing will lead to the next and the transformation will be gradual in cooperation with various owners of different plots. We opt for introducing activity and program to the site first and letting it ignite the development rather than building empty structures and filling them with program later on.

6. Is it the first time you have been awarded a prize at Europan? How could this help you in your professional career?
Iza won Europan15 for Vierhavensblok site in Rotterdam with the “Makers’ Maze” proposal.
We are both at a point in our careers where we’re ready to independently take on complex projects like the ones set out by the Europan organisation. Having gained years of experience working for others, this is a great way to put-forward our own ideas. If the city of Klagenfurt moves forward with the redevelopment of the area from the competition, we are ready to support this effort in any way required.

TEAM IDENTITY

Offices: Studio Iza Słodka - Rotterdam (NL), Xander van Dijk architectuur - Amsterdam (NL)
Function: Architecture
Average age of the associates: 33 years old

Has your team, together or separately, already conceived or implemented some projects and/or won any competition? If yes, which ones?
Izabela Slodka’s graduation project “Collage and Continuity” was nominated for the Young Talent Architecture Award YTAA 2016 organised by European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award of the Fundació Mies van der Rohe. In 2019 Iza won Europan15 competition with the proposal “Makers’ Maze'' for Vierhavensblok site in Rotterdam.
Xander completed the exhibition “Tango on 16m2” at Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw, Poland in 2017-2018 (with Agnieszka Batkiewicz and Veronika Mayr).