The Green Visitor Centre fort the protected tourist area in Lijak

The Green Visitor Centre fort the protected tourist area in Lijak, located at the edge of the Natura 2000 Vipava Valley area, is a project introducing new offerings by the Municipality of Nova Gorica, which has identified the area as having strong potential for the development of diverse nature-based recreational activities and other forms of tourism. The site includes a landing area for paragliders and hang gliders from the popular take-off point above the source of the Lijak stream, at an elevation of 581 m on the steep edge of the Trnovo Forest Plateau. The location is defined by unique views of the valley between the Trnovo Forest Plateau and the Karst region.

The centre comprises spaces and infrastructure supporting cultural, sports, tourism, gastronomic programmes, and educational content, with a strong emphasis on preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the wider area. It also serves as a starting point for sports and tourism excursions, as well as a hub for promoting and directing visitors from the urban centre of Nova Gorica into the surrounding countryside. The centre is intended to encourage green tourism, where visitors perceive themselves as active participants in nature conservation; therefore, the building is designed entirely in timber.

We contributed by preparing all phases of the design and technical documentation and by providing design support during construction. Particular emphasis was placed on the building’s adaptability, seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces during favourable weather conditions, open views, and well-designed exterior areas that can serve both as short stopover spaces and as venues for smaller social events.