Nominator: Tomaž Ebenšpanger

Nominator's statement

I am nominating Jure Jovanovič for this award in recognition of his outstanding dedication, talent, and growing impact in the field of architecture. Born in Maribor in 2000, he completed his undergraduate studies in Architecture at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, earning the title Master of Architecture (Architectural Engineer).

Despite his young age, he has already demonstrated remarkable professional engagement through participation in numerous competitions and exhibitions. Notably, he contributed as part of the OVOI arhitekti team to the second prize-winning proposal for the new Markethall Tabor (2024). He has also collaborated on significant projects such as the social housing developments Rakova Jelša III and Soseska pod hribom (2025).

His Zagreb West project demonstrates strong conceptual depth and social awareness. By transforming a degraded urban area into a park with a centrally positioned high school, he proposes architecture as a catalyst for regeneration. Inspired by Liam Gillick’s Returning to an Abandoned Plant, the vertically clustered school structure forms a clear landmark, contrasting a rational grid façade with the park’s organic layout. The project’s nomination for the Piranesi Student Award 2024 further confirms his outstanding potential and international relevance.

In addition to his design work, he served as a student demonstrator in drawing and visual expression under the mentorship of Tomaž Ebenšpanger, reflecting both his technical skill and commitment to academic excellence. His achievements highlight exceptional promise and professional maturity.

MODULAR HOMES AS ELEMENTS OF URBAN REGENERATION - Master Thesis (2026)

Nowadays, the housing crisis is getting worse. Young people cannot afford housing for financial reasons, which remains reserved only for the wealthy. A roof over one's head, which should be a basic human right, is becoming a privilege for the select few who are wealthier.

The housing problem is most evident among students. They are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of finding a place to live. The housing crisis, the lack of student rooms, and the renting of apartments for short-term stays are creating an uncertain market full of speculation and exploitation. For many, this can be a reason for deciding where to study. According to statistics, in recent years, a few hundred students have been left without beds in public student dormitories. The reason is a lack of capacity. Those who are left without beds in public student dormitories are forced to look for accommodation in the private sector. The problem is obvious.

Since no one in major Slovenian cities has seriously addressed the issue of student housing in recent decades, the question arises: what is the solution? In this regard, the master's thesis focuses on the importance of living conditions for students, using the example of the author's hometown of Maribor.

Given that the University of Maribor has plans to expand its educational programs, it is reasonable to assume that demand will continue to grow due to the increasing number of students, which means that a new, quick solution to the problem is needed. Maribor, as a city in transition, has many degraded areas in its urban structure that are not being used sensibly. These offer opportunities for the development of modular student housing. The master's thesis thus envisages new typologies composed of used shipping containers and, using the example of a neighborhood design, illustrates the implementation of the solution in an urban space.

MARKETHALL TABOR (2024) - competition, 2nd prize

The competition called for the redesign of all four quadrants at the intersection of two major roads. The current market premises, which were designed according to a neighborhood plan from the 1980s, no longer meet today's standards. Four lightweight structures have been erected to create a new center for the local community. The largest pavilion in the southwestern quadrant is intended for the market and is connected to the intergenerational center pavilion via a new square. The roofs of the pavilions are defined as a fifth facade and are greened, giving a feeling of lightness to the space. The glazed ground floors of the pavilions create the impression of roofs floating above the market square, while the white-painted mesh roof facade contrasts with the historic facades of the surrounding blocks.

Together with: Miha Fujs, u.d.i.a., Lana Topolovec, m.i.a., Nebojša Drinić, m.i.a., Mihael Novak, m.i.a.
RAKOVA JELŠA III (2025) - competition entry

The competition for the new construction of social housing in Rakova Jelša is the latest addition to social construction in this part of the city. The competition envisaged a new access road to the west of the area, but we decided that pedestrians were more important in this space than cars. The entire area is therefore mirrored, with a parking lot in the east and two long slats in the west. The slats create two public spaces—a square and a park—with a green street between them. The apartments are accessed via an external corridor, which serves as a social space. The apartments have been transformed into a new typology, with the aim of reducing the internal corridor and creating a new heart for each apartment - the living room. The interplay of closed sanitary and sleeping areas and open living areas creates the structural logic of each block, which is also evident on the façade. A light wooden structure of external balconies is attached to the façade, opening up to the greenery and surroundings. The play on the façade is created by various shades, which users can use as they wish.

Together with: Robert Potokar, u.d.i.a, Špela Kuhar, u.d.i.a, Mihael Novak, m.i.a.