In Slovenia there is a rich heritage of kiosk design, from Plečnik’s kiosk, a small architectural capriccio, to Maechtig’s kiosk K67, a triumph of industrial design.
Responding to an international competition brief which asked the question ‘What is the purpose of the modern kiosk and how should it be designed as a modern architectural facility?’, Slab Design Union proposed a reimagining of the original and iconic Slovenian K67 kiosk design.
Using a CLT frame clad in locally sourced Slovenian Spruce that could be easily mass produced, the Slab Design Union proposal echoes the original design, updated to incorporate additional storage space and a ‘mirrored elevation’, allowing the kiosk to operate from one or both sides and be set in a variety of urban, suburban, or rural locations.
The lightweight design of the kiosk allows it to be hooked up to a bicycle or electric scooter for transportation and relocation. Internal lighting is powered via roof mounted solar cells, with rainwater collected and stored in a tank located under the floor as part of the kiosk servicing requirements.
The naturally ventilated interior is made from recycled cork flooring with plywood joinery and ceilings and beech lining. The canopies over the serving hatches are supported on solid timber haunches, painted red to refer to the original K57 kiosk colour scheme.
The kiosk incorporates 24-hour digital signage conveying public transport timetables, and relocatable cycle parking around the perimeter which can be securely stored within the kiosk.
The kiosks act as social hubs, drawing people together for conversation, sustenance, respite or functional purposes. In considering the importance of the kiosk in the urban space, its content, purpose, and form or architecture, a new model for mobile retail design has emerged that can accommodate a variety of functions beyond its original purpose.
Client – Confidential
Type – Retail, Civic
Location – Ljubljana, Slovenia
Status – Open Competition
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