Urban October 2026: Day 5 Highlights – From Center Rog to a Creative Afternoon at the Faculty of Design

Wednesday, 7 October, was a little different. Part of the Urban October 2026 programme moved to Center Rog, where we spent a wonderful day filled with inspiring presentations, fresh perspectives, exploration and creative inspiration. Meanwhile, activities continued at our Faculty of Design premises on Dunajska Street, with workshops led by Slovenian and international mentors.

The fifth day of Urban October once again brought together a wide range of design disciplines, from architecture, visual communication and spatial design to sustainable management, design management and the development of innovative design solutions.

Dressing Facades – Four Presentations, Four Perspectives on Design

Our morning at Center Rog began with Dressing Facades, a series of four presentations exploring different areas of design, creative projects and opportunities to connect academic knowledge with professional practice.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Inge Kalan Lipar presented two projects, Oblečimo fasade (Dressing Facades) and Pasaža Nebotičnik (Nebotičnik Passage), introducing interesting approaches to the design and visual transformation of architectural spaces.

MSc Veronika Gruden Bole, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Design, introduced the KOC projects, highlighting how our students collaborate with industry clients during their studies. Through real-world projects, students gain valuable professional experience, learn to respond to actual client needs and develop solutions to practical design challenges.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dušanka Komnenić from the Faculty of Contemporary Arts in Belgrade took us into the fascinating world of graphic pattern design. She presented projects in which seemingly unrelated elements, motifs and objects – things we would not normally imagine together – are brought into visually harmonious compositions through thoughtful use of colour, composition and design.

An interesting reminder that design can create harmony even where we might least expect it.

To conclude the presentations, Maja Towndrow from Center Rog introduced the history of the former Rog factory, its transformation through renovation and its present-day identity as a creative hub. She also presented the wide range of activities, programmes, workshops and facilities that Center Rog offers to makers, designers, artists and the wider community.

Four very different presentations that complemented one another beautifully and demonstrated just how broad and diverse the field of design really is.

Coffee, Croissants and a Tour of the Rog Labs

After the presentations, we enjoyed a short break with coffee, tea and croissants. Specialka Café took care of the refreshments, while we brought along a few additional sweet treats.

And for those who remember our earlier announcement – no, thankfully, it wasn’t just apples. 🙂

After a little time to chat and recharge, Maja Towndrow took us on a guided tour of Center Rog and its creative labs.

And we have to admit – we were genuinely impressed!

We explored the facilities, equipment and numerous opportunities available to Center Rog’s users. From developing initial ideas to experimenting with materials, exploring technologies and creating finished products, the possibilities are extensive.

The tour was informative, inspiring and particularly valuable for our students, who can use these facilities to complement their academic knowledge with practical experience and new creative techniques.

We sincerely hope this visit encouraged our students to return to Center Rog, explore its opportunities and make full use of the Rog Labs in their future projects.

Sometimes, a single visit is all it takes to discover just how many creative opportunities are waiting right around the corner.

Sustainable Management in Practice – Between Strategy and Communication

Following the tour, the programme continued with Sustainable Management in Practice: Between Strategy and Communication, offering another perspective on design through sustainable management, strategic thinking and communication.

The session opened with an engaging introduction by Prof. Dr. Maja Zalaznik, followed by a practical workshop led by MSc Meta Pezdir, who encouraged participants to reflect, exchange ideas and actively contribute to the discussion. The programme was hosted by MSc Veronika Gruden Bole, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Design.

This part of the day once again demonstrated that design extends far beyond the creation of visual or physical solutions. It also plays an important role in understanding complex processes, developing strategies, connecting stakeholders and identifying more sustainable approaches.

Meanwhile at Dunajska Street – OFFICE3000 and the Development of New Concepts

Although part of our programme took place at Center Rog, Urban October activities continued throughout the day at the Faculty of Design.

In the morning, students continued working on OFFICE3000 – Research and Concepts, under the mentorship of Senior Lecturer Petra Kocjančič and Prof. Nada Matičič.

The project, which had accompanied students since the beginning of Urban October, was now in full creative swing.

Interdisciplinary teams continued exploring the potential of wood and stone, modular design and innovative approaches to contemporary furniture and working environments.

Their initial ideas were gradually evolving into more developed design concepts, while students were also preparing for the final project presentations scheduled for Friday, 9 October.

Adequate Housing for All – Bridging Urbanism and Interior Architecture

The afternoon programme also listed the workshop Adequate Housing for All: Bridging Urbanism and Interior Architecture, led by Alessandro Morbidelli, an Italian architect and guest expert.

The workshop’s theme connected two important disciplines – urban planning and interior architecture – exploring how the design of larger urban environments relates to the quality of individual living spaces.

The focus was on understanding space at different scales, from cities and neighbourhoods to the interiors people experience in everyday life.

Such connections are particularly relevant to this year’s central theme, Adequate Housing for All, as the quality of living depends not only on individual buildings or interior furnishings but also on the surrounding environment, accessibility, functionality and everyday lifestyles.

Graphic Design for a More Sustainable and Inclusive Future

The afternoon programme at the Faculty of Design also included Designing Adequate Housing for All: Graphic Design for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dušanka Komnenić from the Faculty of Contemporary Arts in Belgrade.

The workshop connected this year’s Urban October theme with visual communication and graphic design.

How can graphic design help us understand social and spatial challenges? How can visual messages raise awareness, bring people together and encourage reflection on a more inclusive future?

This session highlighted that sustainability, accessible housing and responsible design are not exclusively concerns of architecture or spatial planning. They are equally relevant across all design disciplines.

The Role of Design Management in Design-Driven Organisations

The later programme introduced another important topic: The Important Role of Design Management & Design Manager in Design-Driven Organisations, featuring Steinar Valade-Amland and Asst. Prof. Mateja Š. Dimic.

The session focused on the role of design management in connecting design with organisational processes, strategic thinking and the business environment.

After all, design is not simply about the final product or service. It is also a process that requires collaboration between different professionals, an understanding of user needs and the ability to transform creative ideas into feasible solutions.

These perspectives are especially valuable for students, as they introduce new professional opportunities and highlight the diverse roles designers can take on within contemporary organisations.

Day Five – Fresh Perspectives and New Creative Opportunities

The fifth day of Urban October unfolded across two locations: Center Rog and the Faculty of Design on Dunajska Street.

From inspiring morning presentations, an exciting tour of the Rog Labs and a workshop on sustainable management to the exploration of modular furniture, interior architecture, graphic design and design management, the programme once again brought together different disciplines, academic perspectives and professional approaches.

Our sincere thanks go to Center Rog for its wonderful hospitality, to Maja Towndrow for an excellent and inspiring guided tour, and to all our speakers, mentors and participants for sharing their knowledge, ideas and enthusiasm.

And to our students, a little reminder: make the most of these opportunities!

If a workshop, lecture or presentation during Urban October catches your interest, come and join us. Listen, participate, ask questions and explore. This is exactly why we have put together such a diverse programme.

And if Center Rog inspired you as much as it inspired us, we hope to see you there again soon – perhaps next time working on your very own projects. 🙂

Urban October continued the following day with more workshops, creative exploration and final preparations for the OFFICE3000 project presentations.

Part of the Urban October 2026 programme is supported by SPIRIT Slovenia as part of its wood promotion initiative.