The design proposal by SANGRAD Architects + AVP Arhitekti for the Badel Block Complex, a mixed-use project within the city center of Zagreb, Croatia, consists of enclosing the continuity of the existing block and positioning the vertical into its center. Following the instinct of creating a free, public space as large as possible, and yet also in keeping with the proposed program, with uniform treatment of the existing urban archaeology, represents the main guidelines of this concept. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The proposed site consists of a large urban block, entirely defined by Vlaška Street and Kvaternik Square, and partly defined by Šubićeva and Derenčinova streets. Its particularity is determined by layers of different genesis, segmented elements of the block dating back to the late 19th century, as well as from the 1970s and 1980s, and including a smaller object of a more recent date. The other characteristic of the block is factory archaeology; the task requires that its elements should be logically retained. The third feature is a thirteen storey residential tower of simple, but rather imposing structure on the northern part of the defined part of the block.
