In the renovated premises of the former Ausperger Ironworks in Dvor near Žužemberk, a new Interpretation and Information Center of the Natura 2000 Area has found its home. The exhibition presents the natural beauty of the Krka River and its wildlife, while skillfully intertwining cultural themes as well.
The Natura 2000 Interpretation and Information Center in Dvor near Žužemberk brings together the natural and cultural heritage of the Krka River and its surroundings. Housed within the restored spaces of the former Ausperger Ironworks, it offers visitors an in-depth experience of exploring the area’s natural wonders and the human impact on the environment.
The core design concept of the exhibition is based on the premise that nature forms the foundation for the development of culture. Nature enables our very existence; therefore, the contents related to nature are closely interwoven with cultural aspects and, ultimately, with humanity’s influence on the natural world. The main spatial elements consist of a long, organically shaped table and a linear light fixture above it, both running through the entire room and uniting it into a cohesive composition. The exhibition layout allows for modularity and future expansion — new content can be added both to the unoccupied sections of the table and along the building’s perimeter or within the table’s meanders in the form of projections or additional exhibits.
The table’s form references the meanders of the Krka River and serves as a base for displaying content. Along its surface, educational, multimedia, and printed materials unfold, complemented by vertical elements that abstract the riverbank flora of the Krka. In certain areas, these elements come to life through printed graphics and color, transforming into educational features. Wooden stumps or logs placed near the multimedia installations function as movable seating. The design merges visually contrasting elements — the organically shaped, graphically treated table surface with natural seating — reinforcing the central idea that without nature, human invention could never exist. The overall design concept and material selection thus interpret the intrinsic human connection with nature.
Upon entering the space, visitors are surrounded by the sounds of the Krka River, soft forms in deep green hues, and natural materials. The meandering table invites exploration of the exhibition’s various themes, while subtle spot lighting highlights key points of interest and linear lighting guides visitors through the space.
The graphic design concept draws inspiration from watercolor art, a medium that delicately interprets the countless shades of Krka’s greens, merging them with educational and experiential content.
Through design, the exhibition interprets and awakens the human spirit and curiosity for exploration. When walking through nature, one’s first impression is shaped by the ambience — the sounds, the breeze. Only when one pauses and observes can the richness of information that nature offers truly be perceived. Similarly, visitors can simply walk through the exhibition and absorb its atmosphere and general messages, or they can delve deeper, using multimedia to explore different layers of in-depth information.