On 30 September, Novo Mesto hosted the Living Cities: Building Communities through Regeneration professional conference, focusing on the future of Slovenian urban centres, high-quality regeneration and the importance of community involvement in urban development.
The conference took place in the recently comprehensively renovated National Hall in Novo Mesto, giving the event a particular symbolic significance. The oldest national hall in Slovenia, built between 1873 and 1885, has been transformed through a demanding renovation into a modern, open and multifunctional space dedicated to culture, creativity, education and various forms of social activity. Numerous original elements of the building have been preserved, while a new functional layout has been introduced, accessibility improved and a new square created in front of the building, further connecting the National Hall with the city centre.
The example of the National Hall illustrated the central message of the conference – regeneration is not merely about restoring buildings, but also about creating an opportunity to reintegrate them into the life of the city and its community.
The conference was held at the conclusion of the CRP Living Cities project and as part of the promotion of the 2026 Europa Nostra European Heritage Award received by the School of Renovation programme. It was organised by the Living Cities consortium and the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia.
The conference was divided into three sections
The first section, Living Cities, presented the findings of research and fieldwork carried out as part of the CRP Living Cities project. Speakers explored the development dynamics of Slovenian cities, processes taking place in historic towns, and findings from selected pilot urban centres. Participants were also introduced to experiences from the preparation of a pilot regeneration programme, as well as measures and recommendations designed to support communities and decision-makers in revitalising urban centres.
The second section, My City, My Home, highlighted people as a key element of successful regeneration. Examples of urban social processes demonstrated that the greatest value of regeneration lies not only in restored buildings, but also in the people who live in them, participate in community life and help shape the future of their city. The discussion also addressed the importance of a sense of local belonging, the role of tourism and the involvement of young artists in revitalising cultural heritage.
The third section, The Most Sustainable Construction is Renovation, presented examples of good practice from Slovenian cities. Through examples including the renovation of residential accommodation for young people in Novo Mesto, the National Hall in Novo Mesto, a historic house in Koper, a public space in Piran and a building in Radovljica, the speakers demonstrated how high-quality renovation can bring together heritage conservation, new uses and the needs of the modern city.
The conference concluded with a discussion with decision-makers, during which key conclusions were drawn and further challenges in the regeneration and revitalisation of Slovenian urban centres were highlighted.
The event brought together researchers, experts, architects, representatives of cities and other stakeholders, providing a space for sharing experiences on how to create urban centres that are not merely well-maintained and renovated, but above all, alive. Through its renovation, the National Hall in Novo Mesto is a tangible example of how a historic building can be preserved, given new uses and brought closer to the community once again.
The Living Cities conference thus highlighted that the future of urban centres is inseparably linked to the people who live, work and create in them and shape them every day. Regeneration is therefore more than a construction process – it is an opportunity to give urban spaces new life and strengthen communities.
More about the conference at the link below: