Zagreb

How can the site contribute to the adaptable city?

The programme can be associated to each of the three subthemes of adaptable city: self organization‐ inclusion of inhabitants into the decision‐making process is considerable through NGOs and citizens' organizations, sites can be shared both in terms of purpose and in terms of time. The planning process is democratic and transparent, and can be influenced in many stages.

City strategy

In the new Europan competition, City of Zagreb proposes four sites positioned along the Sava river, derelict and unused at the moment, yet with a potential to provide good and dynamic public space.
The competitors are asked to propose modalities of use and urban furniture/temporary buildings that can enable variety of public uses before the site is used as planned in the long term development plans. This flexible approach is in accordance with the subthemes of Europan 13, and low cost makes implementation more likely. One of the modalities of implementation can be partnership with NGOs with direct involvement of the citizens as future users. The competitors should propose several possibilities for use, to enable multifunctionality. The proposed schemes should be adaptable to different sites, and implementation should be possible in phases. Flexibility of use is very important.

Site definition

The site comprises of four derelict and unbuilt sites positioned along the Sava river. Some of the sites are within areas in need of further planning procedure, and other are in areas of mixed uses. Until they are used according to planned purpose, these areas will be proposed for temporary public use, with light temporary/mobile structures. The competitors can propose variations of use and potential activities. The sites can be connected by bicycle tracks along the Savaembankment (levee). Sites 1,2 and 3 are positioned close to urban activity, and site 4 is in a separate area, away from public transport or dense housing areas.

Future of the site in relation to the site family and to Adaptability

The subject of sharing can be regarded in terms of space and in terms of ownership. Urban life has always implied a certain degree of sharing. Not just for reasons of economic crisis, but also rationally use of resources at our disposal, the principle of sharing is shown to be a very logical and sustainable approach. The question is in what way could this principle be applied to other areas of urban living, and how can it be implemented, through institutions or otherwise.
The aim of the project is to propose experimental uses on sites of high attractive potential, on which renewal and development has stopped due to various circumstances, transition processes or economic situation. While waiting for the final use of proposed sites, a reflection of new temporary use is proposed. The expected result is a representation of possible scenarios of public use of derelict spaces by implementing new activities, accessible to the public, while avoiding aggressive and permanent interventions in space. Public spaces also provide the city with identity, as well as a stage for cultural, political and entertainment events.