This 17th-century courtyard, part of the renowned Vetrinjski dvor complex, is located in the historic centre of Maribor, right next to Grajski trg square. Following its renovation during the European Capital of Culture 2012, it became an important hub of cultural activity – serving as a multifunctional venue for events, exhibitions, and production.

Today, the courtyard is publicly accessible, owned by the City Municipality of Maribor, and managed by Narodni dom Maribor. It is shared by various cultural organisations, combining cultural programming with everyday urban life.

Despite its rich programme, users identified challenges such as lack of shade, summer overheating, and fragmented greenery.

Within the Dvorišča – Green Community Spaces project, key users – KUD Coda, Zavod Mars Maribor and Narodni dom Maribor – joined forces. Their shared goal was to improve comfort, strengthen greenery, and preserve the multifunctional character of the space.

Two key directions emerged – more greenery and more shade.

The solutions were based on simple yet thoughtful interventions. Existing plants were preserved, transplanted and rearranged, while the space was enriched with new plantings, mainly perennials suitable for urban environments.

An important step was also the unification of the visual identity through clay planters of different sizes, with larger ones placed on wheels for flexible use of the space.

To improve microclimatic conditions, a lightweight perforated shading structure was installed in the most exposed part of the courtyard, reducing direct sun exposure while maintaining airflow and openness.

The Vetrinjski dvor courtyard demonstrates how coordinated community action and well-considered interventions can improve the functionality, environmental quality and user experience of public space – without large interventions, but with clear impact.

Perhaps the greatest potential of urban courtyards lies precisely in communities that recognise opportunity and start creating change.