URBAN SOLUTION
The building plot is located northwest of the adjacent village of Starigrad. The location of the commercial center is approximately in the center of the proposed resort, thus becoming the center of interest for tourists and the heart of the entire resort. The surrounding development will consist of buildings with an accommodation function/with a tourism function.
The main entrances to the center are from the northeast and the south side. On the northeast side, in front of the main entrance to the second above-ground floor, there is a park with green islands that divide the access area. These islands are also adapted for sitting and thus form a rest area in front of the building of the commercial center.
On the south side, two pedestrian roads lead to the building, which copy the shape of the contour lines. Using them, we get to a small square with a water feature, which forms a place for people to meet and a place for organizing social events within the resort.
A walkway leads around the center, from which we can get to individual shops and restaurants located on the first floor above ground. In the middle of the square there is a staircase that leads to the second floor. At the same time, the staircase is a dominant element and forms the visual axis.
There are longitudinal parking spaces along the entire treated area, consisting of a flat surface covered with grass paving. There are olive trees around the parking spaces, which provide shade and, together with the grass paving, contribute to a more unobtrusive, more natural
appearance.
There is a terraced park along the pedestrian roads, the terraces of which copy the shape of the contour lines. There are typical trees and plants for Croatia, seating furniture, pergolas, steps/stairs to go from one level to another. It would be a more peaceful, relaxing public space.
ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTION
The building is located in relatively steep and rocky terrain, which had to be worked with right from the start. The terrain itself and its contours were my main inspiration. The shape of the building is chosen in the shape of the open letter "U", which is shaped according to the contours
terrain.
The first floor is used for catering, commerce and sports, the second above-ground floor for catering, services, administration and entertainment. This floor is smaller in depth than the first; thanks to which a walkable terrace is created. The terrace and the overhang of the terrace of the second above-ground floor are again inspired by contours in their shape.
The facade of the commercial center from the side away from the sea is in a certain regular grid, where glazed areas alternate with areas of stone cladding. In contrast, the facades around the driveway are made of pure stone cladding with smaller unobtrusive windows (toilets are located on these sides of the building). All this is complemented by a dark brown metal frame.
Sliding shading panels in the same shade of brown as the metal frame are used to prevent overheating and to shade the building.
One of the dominant elements of the complex is the outdoor staircase connecting both floors. The stairs not only have the function of getting from one floor to another, but you can also relax here, as they are designed for sitting. It is an element that directs us somewhere, that reveals to us a view of, for example, the sea and the setting sun.
DISPOSAL SOLUTION
The building of the commercial center is divided into two above-ground floors. The entrances to the individual spaces of the first above-ground floor are accessible from the outdoor walkway. There are mainly spaces for eating (restaurant with typical Croatian dishes, family restaurant, bistro), for retail and trade (mini market with food, shops with souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, perfumes, ...) and a fitness center. There is also a hall from which the central public toilets and technical rooms are accessible.
In the middle of the square there is a monumental staircase, which you can use to reach the second floor above ground. Here, too, the individual spaces are accessible from the outdoor walkway of the terrace. It is also possible to reach this floor without barriers from the northeast side, through the hall with the reception and info center. Central public toilets are accessible from the hall. On this above-ground floor we will also find areas for catering (bar, cafe, ice cream parlor, wine bar, bistro), service areas (hairdressing, pedicure, manicure), administration (rentable offices, conference room) and entertainment and leisure (kids club/corner for children, playroom).
The outdoor staircase also serves as a sitting staircase - some steps are adapted for sitting on them. In the case of social events, entertainment evenings within the resort, the stairs can be turned into a smaller auditorium or a place to watch the sunset. There is outdoor seating on the terrace, especially near the dining areas.
