The Port of Rijeka Authority and the City of Rijeka, in cooperation with Rijeka Architects Association (DAR) just launched the Delta and Porto Baros Area Competition will calls for the urban-architectural concept design for the area's development. Participants are encouraged to investigate into both the "land-use/gross build-up area" framework as well as the spatial/urban context of the site and propose the ideas which could challenge the general guidelines and requirements set by the Master Plan of the City of Rijek. The deadline for submissions is October 22. More information after the break.
The City of Rijeka, perhaps more than any other place along the Adriatic, transmits the concept of border, margin and limes. This border extends far beyond its urban and territorial environment, involving the entire Central-European region. At the moment of Croatia’s accession to the European Union, the Euro-Adriatic Region is acquiring greater importance in both cultural and geo-political terms. Rijeka enjoys the proximity of capital cities like Zagreb, Ljubljana and a city of similar genesis, Trieste, creating a sort of quadrangle of regional significance that will eventually link to further European destinations. The City of Rijeka sees this moment as an opportunity to redefine its significance as an urban center and the Delta area becomes the focal point of this effort.
Currently, what is most visible in Rijeka is the dominant presence of industrial buildings and port structures that define the present character of the city and of its waterfront. By conversion of port functions, with its spatial, location and program potential, the Delta area should become the generator of overall development, a distinctive city 'landmark' and the initiator of urban transformation of the city center. The new synthesis between existing urban structure, industrial landscape and its natural counterparts - hills, valleys, river and the sea, concentrated on the rather narrow strip of territory - is the challenge facing proposals for the Delta area.
