The "Krožišče" Project: Youth Creativity Revitalizing Ajdovščina’s Roundabout

In the summer of 2025, the Krožišče Project came to life in Ajdovščina—a creative glass-painting workshop for youth. Initiated by the Municipality of Ajdovščina, the project aimed to give the central roundabout in the town center a fresh, artistic identity.

The execution was managed by the Hiša mladih Youth Cultural Center, in collaboration with local glazier and artist Sašo Kompare, who served as both mentor and the author of the final installation.

From First Strokes to Technical Challenges

The workshops began in July 2025. Sašo Kompare responded to the invitation from Hiša mladih with the concept of a creative glass-painting workshop. The initial meetings were dedicated to learning various glass-working techniques and considering the challenges of placing glass objects outdoors.

The mentor chose the glass-painting technique because more complex glass-forming methods were not suitable for a large group of young participants due to space and safety constraints. Nevertheless, the early experiments quickly evolved into surprisingly interesting and diverse products.

A Three-Dimensional Collage

As the process unfolded, each participant developed their own approach and visual expression. Early on, the group decided that the final installation would be designed as a 3D "collage"—composed of numerous painted glass panels that together form a dynamic visual whole.

The young creators captured fragments of the local environment on glass. They drew inspiration from:

• Details of the old town center and architecture.

• Characteristic flora and fauna.

• Abandoned industrial sites.

• Themes of sports, art, culture, and history.

A Long-Term Creative Journey

Mentor Sašo Kompare noted that the "hospitality and support of the Hiša mladih team, combined with excellent workspaces, allowed the project to gradually grow into a comprehensive creative process."

By November, twenty sessions had taken place, resulting in a large number of painted glass panels—more than enough for the final assembly. After the workshops, the focus shifted to procuring materials, preparing the structure, and coordinating with external contractors. While participants assisted with the final assembly, more demanding tasks involving wood, metal, and glass processing were handled by the mentor for safety and technical reasons.

A New Landmark in the City Center

Despite some delays caused by autumn weather, the team successfully overcame all obstacles. The result is a three-dimensional art installation made of painted glass elements, which now stands in the center of the roundabout as a unique and original addition to the urban space.

While over ten young creators initially signed up, a dedicated core group of six remained throughout the multi-month process. Their patience, curiosity, and persistence deserve special recognition.

Congratulations for their successful creative journey go to:

Hana Škrlj, Stella Lily Marić, Tug Sam Hatfull, Nina Likar, Nina Gec, and Elena Škrlj.

The Krožišče project is a wonderful example of cooperation between the local community, a youth organization, and an artist. It proves that involving young people in the design of public spaces can bring fresh ideas, creative energy, and a lasting mark on the town of Ajdovščina.