Centre for Spatial Sociology , University of Ljubljana

The CSS was established in 1969. From its beginnings, the centre carried out integrative, multi-level, and interdisciplinary research into society’s spatial organization. Individual researches were conceptualized to transcend the borders of sub-disciplinary research into urban sociology, rural sociology, planning, environmental sociology, in short, spatial and environmental development of society in general. Based on the experiences acquired through a series of international scientific research projects, the members of CSS combine their theoretical knowledge with the practical identification of good practices in the complex interplay of post-modern spatial and environmental processes.

The main activity of the Centre for Spatial Sociology (CSS) is connecting different interdisciplinary knowledge from the area of social functioning in space. The CSS — UEL team aims to connect theoretical knowledge with a study of cases to diagnose complex postmodern spatial processes. The CSS (UEL) team will especially focus on researching the “New role of University” as an independent broker, curator and catalyst of urban innovation.

Institute for Spatial Policies (IPOP)

IPOP is a non-governmental consulting and research organisation in the field of sustainable spatial and urban development. They focus on participatory processes, urban regeneration, sustainable mobility, and new spatial practices.

Their main area of practice is connecting NGOs and local initiatives, and offering them professional support, conducting research, carrying out studies, advising on project development, leading participatory processes, training for participation in spatial planning, engaging in policy making and striving for better legislation with an impact on spatial development, disseminating information about sustainable spatial and urban development and reacting to relevant issues.

Work Package 1: State of the Art – Scientific Input and Output

The aim of WP1 is to establish the “State of the Art” both among the 4 partners and external references such the network of practitioners (advisory board). The result is a common set of references and standards that helps the interactions between the partners.

Co-financing of Ljubljana project part

Project UEL is co-financed by the Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS – Javna agencija za raziskovalno dejavnost Republike Slovenije) project code: H5-8286) and is part od Urban Europe, ERA-NET Cofund Smart Urban Futures (ENSUF), Project no. 693443.

Latest From Ljubljana

UEL:LJUB presents: The importance of social networks in revitalising former industrial areas

The importance of social networks in revitalising former industrial areas: The renewal of the former tobacco factory in Ljubljana. A talk by Matjaž Uršič from the centre for Spatial Sociology, the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ljubljana.   Usually the urban renovation strategies focus mainly on the physical changes and direct economic…

UEL:LJUB presents: The benefits of University collaboration within “University – Community Partnerships” (UCP)

  Short overview of the benefits of University collaboration within ”University – Community Partnerships” (UCP) by Primož Medved from the centre for Spatial Sociology, the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ljubljana. The general, broad aim of this presented article (in the video) is to demonstrate and explain why it is beneficial and advantageous…

The rise and fall of creative revitalisation of the old Tobacco factory in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Written by Nela Halilović, Aidan Cerar, IPoP – Institute for spatial policies This Blog was originally posted on URBACT Blog: https://www.blog.urbact.eu/2020/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-creative-revitalisation-of-the-old-tobacco-factory-in-ljubljana-slovenia/ In its fruitful 130 years of operation, the Tobacco factory in Ljubljana (Tobačna) was like a city within a city. It offered employment to many workers, especially women, as well as good conditions and above-average services.…

Importance of Social Networks in Revitalising Former Industrial Urban Areas – Renewal of the Former Tobacco Factory in Ljubljana

Matjaž Uršič, Primož Medved Full paper paper published in Slovene language, in a peer reviewed journal DRUŽBOSLOVNE RAZPRAVE, XXXV (2019), 92: 53–79 53     ABSTRACT Analysis of social networks in areas undergoing intense urban transformations are becoming an ever more important topic in spatial planning. The growing attention given to social networks is due…

Social mapping the places of transition. Case: Tobačna, Ljubljana

Tobačna (Tobacco factory) is a mixed-use area on the perimeter of the city centre of Ljubljana. It used to be an important production centre, but from 60’s to 90’s it has transformed into a vibrant hub for offices, event spaces and catering services. In fact, Tobačna has the highest number of creative industries in Ljubljana…

Developing the “UEL — STATE OF THE ART”

In the last months our five UEL teams (University of Sheffield, University of Ljubljana, Ipop, Tampere University of Technology, Urban Transition Association) worked together on the preparation of “UEL — State of the art”. We have analysed our (UEL partners’) past projects (“Internal case study analysis”) and similar urban educational projects across the world (“External…

A new Social mapping for housing in Ljubljana

Housing cooperative Zadrugator from Ljubljana presented a new case of Social mapping. It is an interesting collaboration between public housing fund, a cooperative and students of various faculties with a focus on a particular (and infamous) housing neighbourhood Rakova Jelša in Ljubljana, Slovenia. SOCIOLOŠKO-URBANISTIČNA ANALIZA RAKOVE JELŠE In the study (click here), they wanted to find out, what public infrastructure…

GOODO (an innovative social enterprise from Taiwan)

Our team member Matjaž Uršič is currently in Taiwan as visiting researcher, where he is exploring innovative approaches in the field of “urban regeneration” …now we are going to publish his latest report about an interesting multi-stakeholder local hub called “Goodo”.   »Goodo« is an excellent model of bottom-up community based social enterprise in Taiwan…

MEET THE LJUBLJANA TEAM (Centre for Spatial Sociology — University of Ljubljana)

The main activity of Centre for Spatial Sociology (CSS) is connecting different interdisciplinary knowledge from the area of social functioning in space. The CSS — UEL team aims to connect theoretical knowledge with a study of cases to diagnose complex postmodern spatial processes. The CSS (UEL) team will especially focus on researching the “New role…

UEL — Centre of Spatial Sociology (University of Ljubljana) team

The Centre for Spatial Sociology (CSS) was established in 1969. From its beginnings, the centre carried out integrative, multi-level, and interdisciplinary research into society’s spatial organization. Individual researches were conceptualized to transcend the borders of sub-disciplinary research into urban sociology, rural sociology, planning, environmental sociology, in short, spatial and environmental development of society in general.…

UEL IPoP team

Institute for Spatial Policies — IPoP is a non-governmental, consulting and research organisation in the field of sustainable spatial and urban development. We focus on participatory processes, urban regeneration, sustainable mobility, and new spatial practices. We: – connect NGOs and local initiatives and offer them professional support and information, – conduct research, carry out studies, advise…

The rise and fall of creative revitalisation of the old Tobacco factory in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Written by Nela Halilović, Aidan Cerar, IPoP – Institute for spatial policies This Blog was originally posted on URBACT Blog: https://www.blog.urbact.eu/2020/05/the-rise-and-fall-of-creative-revitalisation-of-the-old-tobacco-factory-in-ljubljana-slovenia/ In its fruitful 130 years of operation, the Tobacco factory in Ljubljana (Tobačna) was like a city within a city. It offered employment to many workers, especially women, as well as good conditions and above-average services.…