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Description
The project will include a complex renovation of Villa K, an important functionalistic monument of Nitra. The architectural project of the villa has been designed by the prominent Slovak architect Oskar Singer. Mr. Singer has significantly contributed to the development of interwar architecture in Nitra, which was the traditional seat of the historic Nitra County ( after 1923 great-county). He was strongly influenced by the work of le Corbusier, whose elements he accented in many of his projects throughout his life’s work. The result of his creative work is a unique Vila K, part of which was originally built on columns, this is an exceptional technical solution in the conditions of Slovak functionalism. The position of Villa K is confirmed by numerous references in contemporary literature on modern Slovak architecture, as well as its inscription in the Register of Modern Architecture of Slovakia, carried out under the auspices of DOCOMOMO.
Summary of project results
The project Adaptation of Villa K to a cultural center addressed critical issues such as severe structural deterioration and aimed to preserve the historical integrity through detailed architectural-historical restoration. To enhance visitor engagement, the project introduced a stylish cafeteria at the ground floor of the villa and authentic apartment in the authentic style of the 1930´s. The furniture and other accessories have been sensitively selected and purchased to amplify the visitor’s experience.
Overall, the project aimed to transform challenges into opportunities by revitalizing a historical monument, engaging the community, stimulating economic growth, and promoting local culture and heritage.
During the project implementation it was possible to restore the national cultural monument VILA K to its previous beauty and prevent from its further destruction in terms of construction work. Reconstruction works took place from 2021 to 2023.
Within the project implementation, various cultural and social events took place. This historical monument became more popular and lots of local community activists and organizations started to use it for good purposes. We have been able to organize lots of great events and hope to continue with these activities even during the period of sustainability.
Important part of the project was organisation of the bilateral cultural events - together with the donor project partner the concert of the Norwegian band Sunnmøre Baarelag was organised.
During the project implementation it was possible to issue a great and valuable book - publication dedicated to the history of VILA K. Thanks to a great work from Mr. Novak and lots of other people from his team, who worked hard to search for different interesting and valuable information and data about this magnificent cultural heritage site. Thanks to this project, new partnerships have been established where the local community actors came together and organized various cultural and social events. The new premises of VILA K monuments will give these actors new opportunities and space for such a events to take place also in comming years. VILA K became thanks to this project a new point of interest at the map of Nitra, and even Slovakia as well as new cultural centre of City of Nitra town.
Summary of bilateral results
Donor project partner from Norway, Høgskulen for grøn utvikling has been a great support and this partnership had lots of great results and outcomes. This partnership gave this project a higher level of credibility and deepness. Our partner showed us how to work with the local community. Mr. Johan Barstad and Rhys Evans helped us to think differently about our assets, how we can capitalize on these assets, and get the community more involved. Those who followed the three years of the project''s implementation had the opportunity to participate in several cultural, community, and professional events. The most interesting for us was the bilateral meetings with our partner. The seminar from 26.09.2022, which was devoted to the use and involvement of communities in the development of tourism and culture itself, was very inspiring.Even after the project commpletion the communication with the partner shall continue and it will be present how to improve VILA K community and use it assets the proper way they taught the promoter.