Contextual Insights and Urban Framework

The surrounding built environment is predominantly composed of social housing blocks, adhering to the principles of Brutalist architecture. With structures typically rising five to six stories, the area exhibits a restrained yet expressive orthogonal geometry, providing a rhythmic backdrop for the intervention. The urban layout is organized along axial alignments, reflecting a systematic growth trajectory that balances functionality with a robust aesthetic identity. 

The proximity to major transportation arteries further enhances the site's strategic value. To the south, "Pera Ćetković Boulevard" serves as a significant urban corridor, linking key districts and facilitating high accessibility. The western boundary is defined by "Avdo Međedović Street," a secondary yet crucial thoroughfare, ensuring seamless connectivity. Meanwhile, the northern edge, currently marked by an undeveloped L-shaped plot, offers untapped potential for multifunctional public programming. This space is envisioned as a transformative urban node, complementing the stadium and extending its reach into the daily rhythms of urban life.

Reinterpreting the Classical Stoa for a Contemporary Narrative

At the heart of the design is a reinterpretation of the stoa – a timeless architectural archetype that seamlessly blended utility and civic expression in ancient Greek and Roman settlements. Historically, stoas served as multifunctional spaces, offering shelter, gathering zones, and a sense of communal identity. This project reimagines the stoa as a vital component of the stadium's interface with the city. 

The stadium's perimeter is characterized by an expansive overhanging roofline that creates a shaded urban canopy. This architectural gesture transforms the space beneath into a dynamic threshold, inviting users to linger, gather, and interact. The rhythm of slender columns supporting this canopy echoes the Brutalist patterns of the surrounding context, yet introduces a refined Neo-Modernist vocabulary, balancing monumentality with human-scale intimacy. 

The stoa is more than an architectural device; it is a civic catalyst. By inviting diverse forms of use—be it casual gatherings, informal performances, or moments of solitude—it fosters a lively and inclusive environment that transcends the primary function of the stadium. The shaded zone thus becomes a mediator, bridging the stadium’s internal activities with the external urban realm, ensuring the structure remains an accessible and welcoming presence within the neighborhood.

Integration with the Park: A Symbiotic Landscape

The adjacent park is conceived as an essential counterpart to the stadium, designed to foster a seamless interplay between built and unbuilt spaces. This integration goes beyond mere adjacency, seeking to create a unified spatial and experiential narrative. The park extends the stadium's influence into the broader urban landscape, inviting users to engage with a natural setting that complements the high-energy activities of the stadium. 

Pathways within the park are carefully choreographed to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist movement, reinforcing principles of sustainability and active mobility. Vehicular access is limited to peripheral zones, preserving the integrity of the green space and minimizing ecological disruption. The design incorporates spiraling walkways, activity nodes, and shaded rest areas, encouraging both active and passive engagement. 

The relationship between the stadium and the park is further articulated through the interplay of geometry and vistas. The stadium’s angular roofline frames panoramic views of the park, creating a sense of openness and dialogue between the two elements. The park’s design amplifies this dialogue, with landscaped zones strategically aligned to visually and physically connect with the stadium’s architectural form. Together, these elements foster an environment that is both vibrant and tranquil, catering to diverse user groups and enhancing the site's overall appeal.

Materials: A Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity

The material palette of the stadium is carefully selected to establish a harmonious dialogue between the contemporary architectural expression and the Brutalist character of its urban context. The design incorporates a combination of raw, tactile, and refined surfaces, balancing visual warmth with structural integrity. 

The dominant material is “Exposed Architectural Concrete”, chosen for its sculptural qualities and durability. Its raw texture resonates with the surrounding built environment, reinforcing the Brutalist lineage of the site while elevating its aesthetic presence through precise detailing and smooth finishes. The concrete's neutral tone also serves as a backdrop that emphasizes the dynamic play of light and shadow across the structure's angular surfaces. 

“Perforated Metal Panels”, employed on the facade and roof elements, introduce a sense of lightness and transparency. These panels feature subtle geometric patterns that reflect the systematic rhythm of the surrounding housing blocks while allowing natural light to filter into the interior spaces. The metal surfaces are treated with an anti-corrosive coating, ensuring long-term resilience in the face of environmental conditions. 

In areas of user interaction, such as the shaded stoa and public terraces, “Red Tone Natural Stone Tiles” are integrated to provide warmth and tactility. Locally sourced and sustainably treated, the travertine introduces a humanizing contrast to the concrete and metal, enhancing the user experience with a sense of comfort and connection to natural materials. 

For the park integration, “Natural Stone Pavers” and “Gravel Pathways” are utilized to establish a seamless transition between the built and landscaped environments. These materials are selected for their ecological compatibility and low-maintenance characteristics, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability. 

Together, these materials not only enhance the building's architectural expression but also underscore its commitment to ecological and contextual sensitivity. The interplay of textures, colors, and finishes creates a nuanced aesthetic that aligns with the project's overarching vision of blending urbanity with nature. 

Architectural Form and Programmatic Strategy

The architectural form of the stadium is defined by its angular geometries and a deliberate modulation of mass and void. This approach not only enhances the visual dynamism of the structure but also ensures that it harmonizes with its surroundings. The primary grandstand, positioned along the eastern edge, aligns with the natural slope of the site, embedding the structure within the landscape. This positioning minimizes the stadium’s visual dominance while allowing for expansive views of the park. 

The roofline, with its abrupt angular terminations, introduces an element of surprise, breaking the monotony of linear geometries. This design choice creates opportunities for light infiltration and visual connectivity, enhancing the spectator experience. Internally, the program adheres to international athletic standards, providing state-of-the-art facilities for athletes, staff, and visitors alike. 

The spatial organization prioritizes clarity and adaptability. A clear hierarchy of spaces ensures seamless circulation, with athlete facilities, public amenities, and operational areas strategically zoned for maximum efficiency. The design anticipates future adaptability, allowing the stadium to accommodate a range of events and uses beyond its primary sports function. 

Conclusion: A New Civic Landmark

The proposed stadium and park complex is more than a mere addition to the urban fabric; it is a transformative intervention that redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and community. By drawing on historical archetypes, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding environment, and prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability, the design establishes a new benchmark for civic architecture. This project aspires to not only meet the immediate needs of its users but also to inspire a broader dialogue about the role of architecture in shaping resilient and vibrant urban futures.