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Debate
on Europan 7 site Sv. Katarina in Rijeka
Gallery
Kortil, Rijeka, 10 April 2003
&
Site visit Rijeka, 11 April 2003
- extract -
Introduction
- about the site
The site Sv. Katarina in Rijeka was chosen for Europan
7 site for its aptness for the theme and unambiguous
ownership. The presence of the army on the location
prevented urban interventions for a long time, so the
site is non-consolidated and under-built. Lack of urban
qualities stands in direct opposite to the qualities
and potentials of the site - topography (longitudinal
plateau above the river canyon), nature (nearby forest,
river Rjecina canyon) and position (vicinity of the
centre, open views towards the whole city and Kvarner
bay).
About
the programme
Programme is intentionally left open, and it might be
argued that the site is predetermined more by nature
and views, less by existing urban context. Although
the typology and morphology is not dictated in detail,
the existing urban planning documentation designates
the area for mainly housing, presumably high quality
and lower density. Actual development of the area will
be based on detailed urban plans, to which the Europan
7 competitors should give inputs. Also, the City expects
that the competition will result in ideas applicable
to other similar locations in the city.
About
the botanical garden
Nearby the location, the botanical garden is planned.
The detailed project does not exist yet, but idea is
to use the existing intact nature and forest on the
slopes towards the Rjecina canyon. The exact position
and the size will be determined by Master plan of the
city which is currently being prepared. Certainly, it
will be situated outside the Europan 7 site (even outside
the study area) and competitors should consider it only
as an indicator of an intended future character of the
area - from neglected and underdeveloped area to middle-to-high
class housing settlement surrounded with beautiful nature
and designed landscape.
About
the future inhabitants
The precise demographic studies do not exist, but bearing
in mind the attractiveness of the location, presumably
a bit higher quality of the residences is expected.
About
the buildings on the site
There is no building within the intervention site worthy
of refurbishing.
About
the trees
There is no significant line of trees within the intervention
area. Beautiful and dense forest is situated north and
east from the study area where the plateau turns into
upward (north) and downward (east) slopes.
By
Mirta Vukelic
Zagreb, April 2003
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