London, 28 November 2024 – Last night, The Department Store in Brixton hosted a cultural-business event that blended exceptional art with thought-provoking discussion on the revitalisation of degraded and abandoned urban areas. The event brought together art enthusiasts and experts from various fields to explore the intersection of art, cultural heritage, and sustainable urban development. This occasion also marked the viewing of an exhibition by Radovan Jenko, a renowned Slovenian graphic designer known for his distinctive approach to visual communication. The event was organised by the Slovenian architectural bureau GAO architects, in collaboration with the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and the Slovenian Embassy in London.

The evening was opened with an address by Marko Lotrič, President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, followed by a panel discussion, which brought together the views of prominent speakers: Dr Asta Vrečko, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, Wasya Awori, Director of House Development and Sales at Riko, Janez Kunič, COO of Trimo and Tim Gledstone, Partner at Squire & Partners, a renowned London-based architectural bureau. The discussion was moderated by Tim Gregor Grünfeld, Partner at Uniko, a real estate developer.

The discussion highlighted the key challenges and opportunities of urban brownfield revitalization, with panelists stressing the importance of finding a balance between contributing to local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and delivering sustainable solutions. Particular attention was paid to the issue of lengthy administrative procedures that often hinder progress in areas with sensitive cultural heritage, and the need for innovative approaches to urban development. Concrete projects such as Trimo's use of advanced sustainable materials and the successful revitalisation of the degraded area of The Lakes in the UK, led by Riko, served as inspiring examples of how to combine sustainability and urban development. The discussion confirmed that the success of such projects can only be achieved through effective cooperation between the public and private sectors, a supportive investment environment, and simplified administrative procedures that allow for faster and more coordinated implementation of urban solutions.

Next was the viewing of the exhibition To Fly by Radovan Jenko. The recipient of the Prešeren Fund Award, Slovenia's highest award for artistic achievement, and professor of visual communication and illustration at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Ljubljana, has once again impressed with his innovation and philosophy, which puts freedom of creation and spontaneity at the forefront. "An empty space is sometimes more important than a filled one," emphasised Jenko, whose exhibition guides visitors through the subtle harmony between order and chaos. The exhibition promises an authentic insight into his view of a world in which every line is alive, every colour is important, and every mistake contributes to a harmonious whole.

At the exhibition, the audience was addressed by the host of the event, Tim Gledstone, and the artist Radovan Jenko, as well as by the Minister of Culture Dr Asta Vrečko, who remarked, "Radovan Jenko is one of Slovenia's leading graphic designers, who has established himself as a versatile artist and educator. Design informs all our everyday experiences, co-creating the spaces we live in, the objects we use and the messages we communicate. At the same time, quality design transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, helps to solve complex challenges and seeks sustainable solutions that improve quality of life."

The exhibited works will be on display until 1 December 2024, daily from 10:00 to 17:00, at The Department Store Brixton, 248 Ferndale Road, London. Exhibited in a revitalised former Edwardian department store in Brixton, now known as The Department Store, this is one of the most significant projects by Squire & Partners.

The event was also supported by Trimo, Prva hiša, Equaleyes and Marmor Hotavlje.

Photo highlights from the event are available here.