Mateo Arquitectura proposes a new urban area respectful to the environment where the town lays, so that the new area is adapted to the unique topography of the site and takes advantage of its direct sea views. The project is also seen as a linear process: all buildings housing different programs are distributed along a downward path towards the sea.
The practice won the competition for the allocation of the Draga-Sibenik urban regeneration in the year 2009. The implementation of the project has been delayed until now, when the first phase of the project has been already completed .
Description of the project by Mateo Arquitectura
In 2009 Josep Lluís Mateo won the restricted competition for the intervention in the historic centre of Draga-Sibenik, in Croatia, where the empty space between the islands draws an axis that continues on dry land, on Draga.
According to Josep Lluís Mateo.-
"The location is marked by a geological structure that produces empty and full spaces.
We choose to respect, continue and construct it.
We build on the limits of the place. Volumes to either side consolidate the topography.
At the far end, following the axis, our buildings construct the street, forming a gateway to the whole.
The centre is empty public space that receives various treatments, moving gradually from the greater urbanness of the plaza beside the street to the increased presence of nature where the project meets the sea."
The first phase of the project is now under way. Phase 1A develops the original idea, adapting it to new needs and following the topographic and volumetric strategy proposed from the outset for the construction of this site.
This first phase begins in the highest part, making its way down to the sea as it develops. In this highest part is a building designed to accommodate homes and offices on its upper levels, with a range of bars and restaurants around the entrance, and a large market and supermarket leading to a car park for some 600 vehicles on the basement levels.
Continuing towards the sea is the bank crowned by luxury housing with 360º views. One of the project aims is to exploit the geographical situation and give all the dwellings views of the sea.
Continuing the bank is a public space delimited on either side by housing blocks with shops in their ground-floor premises. The central space opens up into a plaza that slopes to adapt to the topographic changes in the terrain since, despite their proximity, there is a 16-metre difference between the plaza and sea level. Beneath this complex, a night-time leisure area is generated, with a casino, clubs and bars, etc.
The construction of this phase will also take place at two different times: the building housing the market will be constructed first, later followed by the public space with its surrounding buildings and the bank.
CREDITS. DATA SHEET.-
Architects.- Mateo Arquitectura.
Location.- Draga-Sibenik, Croatia.
Dates.- 2009 (competition), 2015 (project).
