The Kosovel Trail is one of the key cultural heritage interpretation projects in the Karst region. As part of the project KONStrukTURIZEM – Kosovel’s Heritage between Sežana and Tomaj, implemented by the Municipality of Sežana, we at the Sežana College of Material Design (VSOM) collaborated on the design and production of permanent stone floor markings.
The Kosovel Trail project focuses on a contemporary interpretation of the life and work of the poet Srečko Kosovel and the development of sustainable tourism experiences in the Karst region.
Connecting Heritage, Space, and Design
The Kosovel Trail connects literary heritage, the Karst landscape, and artistic interventions in the space, creating a new interpretive trail between Sežana and Tomaj.
The KONStrukTURIZEM project brings together culture, architecture, and material design, creating a new spatial experience for visitors.
From Temporary Markings to Permanent Stone Solutions
The first pavement markings, created using spray paint, were part of the 2021 project Urban Literary Walk – In Step with Kosovel.
Later, the Kosovel Trail took on a more permanent form. The markings were replaced with stone pavers, which:
- extend the lifespan of the markers,
- emphasize the connection between the Karst, stone, and Kosovel,
- represent a permanent design solution in the space.
Design and Production
The design of the paving stones was created by Sežana-based painter Simon Kastelic, and the implementation was carried out by the VSOM team: Špela Šedivy, Anton Marn, and Jakob Škrbec.
The Kosovel Trail is an example of collaboration between art, craftsmanship, and contemporary material design.
Stone Markers as Storytellers
The paving stones along the Kosovel Trail mark important points in the poet’s life.
The letter K is engraved on six of the paving stones, while the other markers feature motifs from Kosovel’s legacy, such as:
- monuments,
- an imprint of the poem “Na ulici,”
- a motif from the poem “Bori.”
The Project’s Significance for the Area
The Kosovel Trail serves as an example of best practice in how contemporary material design can preserve cultural heritage and integrate it into public spaces.
At VSOM, we are proud to participate in projects that connect local identity, art, and sustainable tourism, offering visitors a new way to experience the Karst cultural landscape.
To learn more, read the following articles: RTV SLO, Regional Coast, Slovenia info.
