Stadion Gospin Dolac – design description

Although it immediately gained media attention in Croatia, it’s “only” a thesis work at Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb. Still, this vision by young architect Ivo Žarko deserves recognition for how it utilizes the unique setting of Stadion Gospin Dolac.

The idea focuses on adding a roof that would be much more than just regular cover. It’s seen as a meeting place, open plaza leading to the stands before games or connecting the town better on non-matchdays.

But perhaps most notably: a unique viewing deck. From its southern edge one might see the valley spreading below, from the north-western part a glimpse of the Blue Lake’s sinkhole and throughout the deck of course – great view of the field below.

New grandstands would be more conventionally-shaped than the current ones, offering up to 5,000 covered seats. Instead of very modest infrastructure behind the southern goal there would be enough room to create a large pavilion with numerous functions possible.