Spatial Development of the University of Maribor

Authors

Uroš Lobnik
University of Maribor
Peter Gabrijelčič
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture

Synopsis

This chapter examines the fifty-year spatial development of the University of Maribor within the context of social, political, and urban planning dynamics. In its first twenty-five years of operation, despite significant spatial and infrastructural constraints, the university successfully integrated its activities into the urban fabric of Maribor, establishing an extensive network of facilities along the left bank of the Drava River. Over the past decades, the expansion of university infrastructure has progressed dynamically, resulting in the establishment of more than twenty units across eight municipalities, continuously shaped through interactions among institutional demands, urban planning strategies, and broader socio-economic trends. Open and long-term spatial planning, coupled with adaptability, remain core principles underpinning the university’s spatial development, which today plays a key role in the sustainable transformation of regional areas and in reinforcing the urban identity of towns and settlements.

Author Biographies

Uroš Lobnik, University of Maribor

Uroš Lobnik, born in 1965 in Maribor, is an Associate Professor of Architecture. He completed his studies in architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana, under Professor Dušan Moškon. He began his professional career at ZUM, d.o.o., where he led the development of the Urban Design Plan for the city of Maribor. He later co-founded the architectural firm AU arhitekti, d.o.o. and joined the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture of the University of Maribor. As Head of the Department of Architecture and the Chair of Spatial Planning, he significantly contributed to the development of architectural studies in Maribor. Between 2011 and 2015, he served as the University Architect of the University of Maribor. He founded the Maribor House of Architecture and coordinated UM projects within the European Capital of Culture Maribor 2012. He actively contributes to the architectural profession as the author of numerous texts, long-time editor of Arhitekturna beseda (Večer, 2000–2012), member of editorial boards (Arhitektov bilten, Piranesi), workshop organizer, and exhibition curator. His work has earned him recognition from the European Urban Planning Association, the Constructive Alps award, several Plečnik medals, and the Golden Pencil award.

Maribor, Slovenia. E-mail: uros.lobnik@um.si

Peter Gabrijelčič, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture

Peter Gabrijelčič, M.Sc. in Architecture, Professor Emeritus of the University of Ljubljana, M.Phil., was born in 1947 in Maribor. He completed his studies in architecture at the University of Ljubljana under Professor Edvard Ravnikar. From 1974 to 2017, he was employed at the University of Ljubljana, where in 1995 he was appointed acting Dean of the newly established Faculty of Architecture, later serving as long-time Dean (2001–2017) and Full Professor. He lectured on architecture and urbanism and introduced a course of study in rural and landscape planning. Between 1999 and 2016, he led a specialist program in urban planning in cooperation with Oxford Brookes University and was a supervisor to 512 graduates. He was the initiator and coordinator of the spatial development “project” of the University of Maribor, city architect of Ptuj, and founder of the architectural firm ARHITEKTURA, d.o.o. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Prešeren Fund Award, the Yugoslav Borba Award, and the Golden and Platinum Pencil. He is co-author of award-winning bridges in Slovenia and abroad, and author of numerous professional and scientific articles. He actively participates in national and international academic and professional associations.

Ljubljana, Slovenija. E-mail: peter.gabrijelcic@fa.uni-lj.si

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Published

September 9, 2025

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How to Cite

Lobnik, U., & Gabrijelčič, P. (2025). Spatial Development of the University of Maribor. In G. Meško & N. Ulčnik (Eds.), 50 let Univerze v Mariboru: Pol stoletja znanja in raziskovanja (pp. 95-118). University of Maribor Press. https://doi.org/10.18690/um.1.2025.4