Planting Design 2013 Working Group 16 - Case Study C

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NIKOLA ŠUBIĆ ZRINSKI SQUARE / ZRINJEVAC PARK

Name	Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square
Location	Zagreb
Country	Croatia
Authors	Martina Šekutor

Rationale: Why is this case interesting?

Please give a short introduction to the site you have selected (not more than 150 words)

• Why did you select it?
• Is it exemplary for a specific theme or a problem?
• In how far does it relate to your life?

I selected this city park because of it's dramatic contrast to it's surrounding area. As an urban image of nature (or image of urban nature, depending on one's preference) it truly depicts an oasis in a densely built area and leaves quite an impact on anyone who, after roaming the more or less narrow streets suddenly comes to this open, calm but magnificent space.

This park is very popular among residents and tourists because of it's relaxing atmosphere, however it is never too crowded which makes it one of my favourite urban public spaces to spend time in.

Author's perspective

From which professional background/perspective are your documenting this case?

As a Master student of Landscape Architecture, I find that this site serves as an example of how good design can last for decades if it is done with people in mind.

Landscape and/or urban context of your case

• Biogeography, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics
• Illustration: Map; sketches; short descriptive analyses

Zrinjevac is a 23 000 square meter (cca 105 x 220m) open space area in the center of the capital of Croatia, Zagreb. It is a historic public park, officially established as a square 140 years ago, after having already served as a public market place for 40 years. It is the first major city park in the country and the starting point of a larger city park system known as the Green horseshoe (because of the U-shape) or Lenuci's horseshoe.

Milan Lenuci was a distinguished architect and urbanist in the 19th century and the author of the plan for this complex system of parks and squares which consists of 8 large public open spaces (7 squares that are used as parks and the Botanical Garden).

Zrinjevac park is located at the north end of the eastern part of the system and is only a block away from the main city square in the north (2 minute walk) and two blocks away from the Main Railway Station in the south (5 minute walk).

Over time, the elements and details of the park have been decided in a collaboration between architects, urbanists, the city governments and the citizens, but they always respected the initial idea and layout set by urbanist Rupert Melkus in the 19th century. He invisioned the space divided in 4 parts by tree lined promenades and the citizens chose trees of the platanus species. The four grass covered side parts contain water fountains and flower beds planned out by Dr. Rudolf Siebeck, the manager of Vienniese public parks of that time.

In the center there is a rondela with an open Music Pavilion since 1891. In 1884, a meteorological measuring post was placed near the north edge of the park. Both were designed by Hermann Bolle. The south edge is lined with busts of distinguished Croatian historical figures.

Over time, the trees have developed lush tree tops which provide much needed shade and refreshment in the densely populated city centre during summer months. Because of that feature, the atmosphere of the space gives it a very calming and relaxing character which constantly attracts visitors, both residents and tourists.

Analytical drawings

Please add four analytical sketches/drawings (or montages/schemes) of your case and take the following aspects into account:

• natural dynamic versus cultural framework - in how far do these two forces come together in your case?
• dynamic through the year (you may imagine how the site looks in spring and summer, maybe you also remember it)
• highlight potentials and problems

• Analytical Drawings - current state of the park
• 

  Position of Zrinjevac in the Green Horseshoe - top of the eastern part of the green system

• 

  Contact zones of the park - a dense urban area of building blocks that surround the park from all sides create an atmosphere of an enclosed outdoor space

• 

  Natural features of the design - lawn parterres provide areas for relaxation, undeveloped flower beds give the impression of a work in constant progress and mature trees provide shade during the hot summer months

• 

  Constructed features of the design - asphalt walkways as communicational infrastructure, fountains as focal points and The Music Pavilion in the centre as the main focal and gravitational point

Projective drawings

• Please add four projective sketches/drawings (or montages/schemes) for your case and take the following aspects into account:
  • How would you like this case to change in the near future? (in 1-2 years)
  • And how could it look like in 10-15 years?

• Projective Drawings - proposed interventions
• 

  Border Flower Beds

• 

  Central Flower Bed

• 

  Bench Background

• 

  Music Pavilion

Summary and conclusion

Please summarize your case and give arguments for your projective design (approx 150 words).

Zrinjevac has been serving as a park for people for 140 years. It's basic geometrical layout has been established from the very beginning and the main elements have changed very little over time. It is constantly used by visitors which is proof of it's good design that has been attracting people for almost a century and a half. However, even good design can be improved. Due to the way the park is being maintained, certain elements make it look like it is still not finished, so there is room for some improvement.

The flower beds are being frequently replanted which makes it look newer than it actually is. In my opinion, they should be planted with perrenials and left to develop and become a constant element, so that this space could finally get a more historic, lived-in atmosphere, because it is in fact an old, historic park.

All the proposed interventions, as small as they might seem, would improve the experience of the park, because they address the issues of feeling safe and connected with the space. These propositions, due to their nature, could be considered a form of urban acupuncture, because they would be relatively small and simple actions to reveal the true character of a space.

Image Gallery

You may add a series of images/photos in addition to the sketches/drawings

• Image Gallery
• 

  View towards the Rondela

• 

  View from the Rondela

• Yourfilename3.jpg

  image 3

• Yourfilename4.jpg

  image 4

References

* Please make sure that you give proper references of all external resources used.

* Do not use images of which you do not hold the copyright.

* Please add internet links to other resources if necessary.

1. Žunić, A., Matuhina, N.: Historic squares in Zagreb before 1918. - Spatial genesis and urban characteristics (2012)

2. Karavla J.: Dendrološke karakteristike Zelene potkove Grada Zagreba s prijedlogom obnove njezinoga istočnog dijela (2006)

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