Maribor’s competition: Floating Pavilion on the Drava River

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The Slovenian city of Maribor is marked by Drava, a river which played an important role in the industrial development of the city. Drava River visibly divides the city into two riverbanks, which are connected by several bridges. It firstly served as a transport route, ensuring economic activities and, consequently, the development of the city, while also providing protection. Today, the river is strongly connected to the everyday life in Maribor. 

Nowadays, Drava represents a place for numerous activities, such as walking and cycling trails, river skiing and surfing, as well as taking a ride on a raft or a boat. It is also a place where many cultural events are being held. This year, Floating Pavilion competition will be held on the river.

This competition, which is organised by Slovenia’s Outsider magazine, invites architects, urban planners, landscape architects, and students to draw up concepts for a relocatable cultural venue which will be on the river. Competitors must design a floating pavilion on the Drava River, which would serve as a small stage and a place for contemplation by the river. 

The main purpose of this pavilion will be to serve as a venue for smaller events and shows in the future,  but also as a relaxation site, which will offer incredible views of the river and the historic city center. Competitors must create a pavilion that will be able to move, as it is planned to be used for different programs and events in different locations.

The competition is open until 31 May. The winner will be announced in June and will receive a €1,500 for the first prize. The second prize is €1,000, and the third one is €500.

This competition is a great way of motivating people and giving them a reason to go outside and communicate more, and at the same time it is the perfect opportunity for students to switch their focus to something new and creative. It will certainly spark lots of creative ideas and make Maribor more appealing. (photo credit: Leonhard Niederwimmer/Pixabay)