sites: MAP I RIJEKA I SPLIT I ZAGREB

ZAGREB

Population: 706.770

Study area: 15 hectares

Site area: 3 hectares

CONURBATION:

Zagreb, the capital of Croatia is situated on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain and along the banks of the Sava river at the elevation 120 m. The city core comprises the mediaeval parts of the town called Gradec (Gric) and Kaptol on the slopes of Medvednica. The construction of the railway embankment (1860) enabled the suburbs on the south to merge gradually into district called Donji Grad, characterised by a regular block pattern. Between the two World Wars the city extended to south with working class quarters and to north with residential quarters, but also in the east-west direction. Another great expansion of the city took place in the mid-1950's when new residential areas were build south of the Sava river - district so-called Novi Zagreb (New Zagreb).

SITE:

The site is former military area in the western part of the city. The study area is about 7 ha and comprises part of the former barracks (military camp), south of the stream called Vrapčak and part of the housing estate Špansko north from the stream Vrapčak. The intervention area is about 4 ha, comprising only part of the former barracks with a number of one-storey buildings that are out of function. The area is well decorated with greenery, including attractive lines of trees along internal roads. Well-preserved recreation centre is situated on the southeast part of the barracks area.

INTENTION OF PROGRAMME:

The intention of the programme is to transform the former barracks Prečko into attractive and innovative living space in terms of appearance and content. It is envisaged that the new houses should contain approx. 125.000 m2 living spaces. Also, it is suggested that the density should vary, so that pleasant outdoor spaces can be created. The new buildings can comprise not only housing, but also commercial, business and sport/recreational facilities.

SOCIAL ISSUES:

Non-existence of any public spaces and facilities calls for the invention of social environment. Residential district should be formed, suitable for users with different economic power, background and interests.

FUNCTIONAL ISSUES:

Although the existing buildings vary in the quality of the construction they are not suitable for the refurbishment. As the area is envisaged as predominantly residential, the wise choice of quantity and quality of additional functions is expected.

SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES:

Sustainability demands are to be satisfied with the adequate density of the construction and proper arrangement and combination of closed and open spaces in order to ensure the pleasant way of urban life.

THEME :

Suburban challenge, urban intensity and housing diversity
In wider context the site is the part of large residential zone that was rapidly built-up in last 20 years. This (eastern) part of the city spontaneously developed "the life on its own" and Europan 7 competition should be an attempt to address this problem.
On micro-scale, nor the existing typology nor the functional demands are dictating the spatial logic so the competitors are free to propose their own vision.
Since the area is purely mono-functional, the new construction should fulfil the need for the urban intensity.
The existing natural elements of the site should be evaluated and together with the new interventions used for the creation of sustainable and pleasant human environment.