Renovation of the Collegio dei Nobili

The renovation of the Collegio dei Nobili in Koper represents one of the most important conservation and architectural interventions in Istria in recent years. The 18th-century Baroque palace has been given a new role within the city’s cultural and educational infrastructure, while retaining its historical presence and urban role. The project is based on the principles of minimal intervention, legibility of historical layers, and respect for the original spatial relationships. The key challenge was to reconcile conservation requirements with contemporary programmatic needs, while discreetly integrating new structural reinforcements and technical installations. Construction took place in a conservation-sensitive environment, with preliminary archaeological research and a demanding roof renovation. The interventions included static reinforcement of the structure, modernization of installations, and landscaping of the exterior and courtyard areas using Istrian limestone. The renovation thus goes beyond the scope of restoration and represents an example of the thoughtful revitalization of cultural heritage in a contemporary urban context.