Nika Marn and Vita Brovč

Nika Marn is a graduate of the Interior Design program at the Faculty of Design in Ljubljana. Through her creativity and innovative thinking, she successfully blends tradition with modernity, relying on sustainable principles in her design approach. In 2023, under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Mojca Perše, she completed her thesis titled “Renovation of a Hayrack for Tourism Purposes.” In this work, she infused modern design into heritage structures, giving them new life and adapting them to contemporary needs. The project demonstrated her deep understanding of the importance of preserving traditional structures while thoughtfully integrating new functions that respect the cultural value of the space. Her solution, as an example of efforts to preserve cultural heritage, was recognized with the Going Green Global Award, presented by the Faculty of Design for outstanding sustainability-focused projects.

Her in-depth exploration of sustainable approaches contributed to the development and dissemination of knowledge within the field, published in the professional journal Urban Challenge. Beyond academic success, she excels in practical applications, working as a promising designer on architectural projects.

Vita Brovč is also a graduate of the Interior Design program at the Faculty of Design in Ljubljana. Her enthusiasm and dedication shine in various fields of design, not only in spatial and furniture design but also in broader areas such as graphic design and illustration. She stands out for her innovative approach, consistently applying sustainable principles, sensitivity to space, and her ability to integrate within various design environments, reflecting her deep awareness of the responsibility towards space and future generations.

In the academic year 2021/22, together with her colleague Monika Plemenj and under the mentorship of Professor Dr. Jasna Hrovatin and Senior Lecturer Petra Kocjančič, she worked on the project Conceptual Designs for the Maremico Sleeping Center. This project focused on the impact of different sensory perceptions on the visitors’ well-being in spatial design. The project, emphasizing sustainable practices, adaptive design, and careful material selection, received the SIT Furniture Design Award.

The Mediation Pavilion project, a space for meditation designed by Nika Marn and Vita Brovč during the 2023/2024 academic year for the New European Bauhaus course under the mentorship of Full Professor Nada Matičič, Professor Dr. Dragan Ćalović, and Senior Lecturer Tjaša Čakš, was showcased as an example of quality design with a sustainable approach at the 46th Architecture Salon, an international event titled Circles at the Museum of Applied Arts in Belgrade in March 2024. The project is in contention for the Architecture Masterprize 2024.

Through their innovative approaches, active participation in professional environments, and academic achievements, both candidates demonstrate that they are promising young designers with great potential and sensitivity to shaping the spaces of the future.