Modernist architectural design of Velenje

The concept of the town planning and architecture of Velenje abided by the principles of the modernist style. The buildings and structures were designed with a great deal of ambition, boldness, aesthetic value and functionality in mind, all the while maintaining the signature styles of their respective designers. The town gave the impression of a number of crystalline bodies – smooth and colourful boxes scattered around the valley. Instead of planting parks in the urban environment, they placed the town into the park designed by Mother Nature. The structures were to accentuate the dimension of height and thus many towers (skyscrapers) were built, as well as plenty of shops, schools, a community health centre, waterworks and long distance hot water heating system. The town was never an end in itself: the high quality of urban living was to transform the residents into model members of the socialist community, who take exemplary good care of the environment, are socially active and partake in cultural and sporting events.