Sites: Šibenik & Sisak

ŠIBENIK, The Rims of the City Core: Crnica & Draga

Surface of the study area: 6,5 ha

Surface of the site: 1,5 ha

Population: 85 000

Conurbation:

Šibenik is situated in the middle of the Adriatic coast, in south part of Croatia. Its origins date to the early Middle Ages that left a protected historic city core. The contemporary development dating from the beginning of the 20th century is marked with industrial expansion and longitudinal development along the coast.

Site:

The core is flanked on sides with Crnica and Draga, both built in rural suburban tradition, than linking the city core with newly urbanised parts. Both areas gradually became mostly residential with some city functions and with portions of land still not developed.

Functional stakes:

Crnica should remain primarily residential, with distinct attention paid to the relation to the sea. Built areas should be functionally redefined as well as existing means of communication. Draga should contain high-rise housing, business and commercial use. Existing small-scale architecture should be replaced with larger one, in terms of volumes and heights. The zone should be well accessible and inner transportation network should be redefined.

Social stakes:

The study area should be developed with multiplicity of functions, particularly in Draga. It is necessary to establish the relation to the waterfront, which should be accessible for the public use, as well as to the city core. Preservation of original scale architecture in Crnica is desirable, and the new reminiscent of traditional building in stone. The part of the old structure has disappeared for food, opening the space for the new architecture.

Sensitive stakes:

Special conditions for the protection of any kind do not exist. Valuable parts of the zone should be preserved - the elements of traditional architecture and gardens. Level differences will set the limits for space organisation. The preservation of the green belt and small church St. Nedjeljica with graveyard is suggested.

Programme:

The existing typology should be respected - houses detached or semi-detached, or town houses, with max. height of ground floor + 1 to 2 stories in Crnica, or multi-storey structures in Draga. No other conditions are set.

Theme:

The intervention in the existing structures should redesign and improve the quality of space, which was up till now neglected in city planning and development. The intervention in Draga will notably change the function towards more public and more intensive use. The interest of the owners lies in general upgrading of the property value on the site.

SISAK, The Old Refinery

Surface of the study area: 8,1 ha

Surface of the site: 3,0 ha

Population: 63 000 (conurbation), 47 000 (town)

Conurbation:

The town of SIsak lies on three rivers and exists in continuity from pre-historic times for more than 2 thousand years. From Celtic settlement Segestica, Roman Siscia, medieval Croatian Sisak it has developed into modern, industry-oriented town. Sisak is situated on the Southwest rim of great Panonian plain, 56 km SE from capital Zagreb. Geographical position in-between the Panonian plain and mountainous Balkan region is of geo-strategic importance which is the cause of town's often perilous history, as well as his dynamic development.

Site:

The intervention area is on the right bank of river Kupa, south of the railway bridge and it is a part of large industrial zone. Due to the petrochemical industry reallocation, the intervention area will be included in the urban structure of the town, thus extending the city functions. The oil company Shell established its branches and in 1920's the reservoirs for petrol and concrete tanks were built on the site, as well as buildings that originally served as offices. After the II WW, the refinery became state-owned, rapidly spreading its premises towards the south.

Functional stakes:

Parallel to the existing railway, the new major road and bridge are planned. When constructed, together with existing road network it will form the ring around the town's centre, providing good access to the site. Another pertinent element is the vicinity of Old Fortress on the opposite bank of Kupa and parish church St. Mary on the hill west from the site, both with great heritage value.

Social stakes:

The study area should be developed with multiplicity of public functions and housing. The facilities should reflect already built-up-up areas around the site, the parish church St. Mary and the vicinity of Old Fortress. It is imperative to establish the relationship with the river Kupa and the refinery.

Sensitive stakes:

Landscape and cultural heritage should be treated according to the principles of "active protection". Architecture is expected to be innovative and creative. Also, the contestants are expected to examine the relation between Sisak's fortress and St. Mary church towards the existing industrial infrastructure.

Programme:

In the study area of 8,1 ha competitors are free to define the programme, respecting the given parameters. Two general guidelines are: the height of the building should be max. ground floor + 4 stories and the built-up area should not exceed 30% of total surface. Inclusion of existing buildings and infrastructure into the proposal is desirable.

Theme:

The complexity of the transformation of town's urban characteristics and economy in transition ask for the integration of former industrial zone into the city. Spatial characteristics of the zone and its key position make it suitable to become the motor of development by integration new ideas and spatial philosophy. In the case of Sisak it is possible to enhance its urban structure and find the balance within existing spatial entities.