The Project

The project proposes to use the symbolic heritage of the infrastructure of mines and mining industry as a means to (re) establish and advance local production. In order to rehabilitate the identity of Labin in the Istrian region as it used to be, the proposal anticipates intense analysis where tourism is just an element like any other.

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Site / territory and coalmine infrastructure

In 20th century economic, social and cultural development of Labin and surrounding area was highly influenced by the coalmine company. Territory is imbued with mining facilities, entrances in underground, production facilities on surface, housing estates, social infrastructure…'c9. Having closed in the 1990s, the coalmine complex, with several hundreds of kilometers of tunnels, is overwhelmingly monumental today. Since the region is currently moving from industry towards a service economy, the enhancement of tourism seems to be the expected source of capital.

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Re-establishing the identity of Labin

Elements of industrial heritage
The basis of the new identity follows the historical prerequisites of coal mining. Synthetic identity of Underground city can be created through: recycling the existing elements of industrial heritage, combining the existing elements with new structures and innovative programs, introducing elements of similar esthetic qualities.

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Points of intervention

The points of intervention are the sites with greatest potential: exit in Podlabin (downtown Labin), Podlabin – Rabac tunnel, exit Principi (virgin nature), exit on the beach in Rabac.

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Organizational model for development

Ownership structure of sites and underground tunnels determines the organizational model for development. Sites are developed using four basic models of public-private partnership and different sources of capital. Within the process of development, design and construction, all actors should negotiate the most suitable model.

Public agency
Local development agency controls development of underground structure as well as development and building of underground and over ground facilities. Agency is also responsible for marketing, promotion and organization of temporary events in underground city. It is founded by public sector: city of Labin, surrounding municipalities, Istrian region and central government.

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Process of Underground city project development

Phase 1
Proposal presented at the 2nd International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam in May 2005.

Phase 2
Strategy presented at the Exhibition and book launch in Zagreb, June 2006.

Phase 3
Architectural brief for competition of the new cultural center in an old
miner's bath, presented in June 2007

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Back to “political school”!

After learning about dynamics and politics of local coalition government, Platform 981 reinstalled different forms of public negotiations. At the beginning it showed that “everybody agree on everything” just as long as real interests are not outspoken. It became evident that Underground city (new types of cultures and new economic models of tourism) is just not visible to most of politicians while urban and financial planning are still the main policy instruments. Therefore, a project team focused on the little step: Architectural brief for competition of the new cultural centre in an old miners’ bath, presented in June 2007, before proposing another big step. In the meantime project team undertook the remapping of new partnerships with private companies and regional development strategies as part of the proposal.

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Solving development into planning

According to local authorities’ spatial policy and documents comprehended by legislative framework Platforma 981 in Labin accomplished architectural brief for a competition of the new cultural centre in an old mines bath. In addition, Program of Overall Development (PUR) was proposed to the locals and now it is the matter of time when the Municipality of Labin will organize the competition for this service. The city budget is already assigned and deadline is close. Platform 981 is bidding for the job in June – august 2007.

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