Closing Day of World Habitat Days 2025
On Friday, 10 October 2025, the Faculty of Design officially concluded this year’s cycle of World Habitat Days, which took place within the framework of Urban October – Month of Design. The final day was dedicated to reflecting on the week’s activities, exchanging perspectives on the future of wood as a design material, and encouraging students to actively engage in professional and research environments.
The day began with the closing round table “Wood – Ancient and Yet Future”.
The opening address was given by Jan Krmelj, Vice Dean for International Affairs, who provided a concise recap of the WHD programme throughout the week and introduced the themes of the round table.
The discussion was expertly guided by Asst. Prof. Arbresha Ibrahimi, PhD (International Balkan University – Skopje). Participants in the dialogue were:
- Brina A. Lukić, MA (Young Designers Society of Slovenia)
- Prof. Dragan Ćalović, PhD (Faculty of Contemporary Arts, Belgrade)
- PhD Candidate Jani Demšar, MA (Geodetic Institute of Slovenia)
- Sr. Lect. Luka Mancini (Faculty of Design, Ljubljana)
The discussion opened important questions: How do we understand wood today? Can it be both a traditional and futuristic material? What role does it play in the values of the new generation of designers? The exchange of viewpoints showed how diverse the interpretations of the same material can be — and how valuable it is when different generations and disciplines meet in open dialogue.
After a short coffee break, the day continued with the expert lecture by Lucija Erjavec Primožič, PhD Candidate at the UL Faculty of Architecture, titled
“New European Bauhaus In-Between Spaces: Potential for the Unexpected or In-Between Spaces: Zones of Connection and Creation.”
The lecture emphasised the importance of transitional spatial situations — as places of encounter, creation, and spontaneous connection — making it a symbolically fitting conclusion to a week defined by international collaboration, openness, and academic exchange. Students also prepared conceptual proposals and presented their ideas as part of the closing session.
With this event, we officially concluded World Habitat Days 2025.
On this occasion, we extend our sincere thanks to all lecturers, mentors, participating institutions, partners, and students whose knowledge, energy, and presence contributed to meaningful discussions, fresh insights, and the expansion of our academic and creative space.
We hope that students recognise the opportunities offered by such programmes as a valuable step toward their professional development — and that they will continue to take initiative, engage actively, and seek international collaboration and research involvement.
Wood was the central motif of this year’s edition — yet throughout the week, we were above all speaking about connection, forward-thinking, and the role of design as a cultural, social, and developmental force.
Explore the gallery of highlights below:
