The project won the first prize at the public architectural-urban competition for “Sports and recreative center Korana” in Karlovac, Croatia, EU
a master plan for an area of 50 ha by AMTOSFERA™
The rivers that flow through the city of Karlovac have always been important for the identity of the city, and one of the most valuable areas in the central part of town is the area on the banks of river Korana frequently suffer from abundant floods. The area on the left bank is mostly arranged and landscaped in contrast to the right bank of Korana where is „Sports and recreative center Korana“ located.
Without encroaching on the green infrastructure of the area and raising the level of the promenade by 50 cm, a landscape solution has been established which fully regulates the floodplain by offering safety to objects during the whole year. Communication between the islands and the river banks connects the whole area with the city and establishes a new relationship with the center of Karlovac, which strengthens the identity of the city in the spatial, touristic, cultural and sports aspects.
Walking trails are generated from the logical directions of movement towards the objects and buildings. The consequence of the network of promenades is the formation of green islands that have gentle slopes, depressions, or hills, and each one of them is characterized by its unique content.
Raised promenades and richly drowned horticulture together with green islands finally form the identity of the large botanical garden “BotaniKA”, the concept which contributes to strengthening the brand of the city of Karlovac and at the same time attract foreign and domestic visitors.
On the central island, there is a lake and greenhouse, and nearby there is an island with the Butterfly House. Lower along the bank there is the island “AquatiKa”, the only freshwater aquarium in Croatia. The contents of “Aquatica”, “BotaniKa” and “LeptirKa” complement each other, creating an educational, tourist, and entertainment element of the green infrastructure of the right bank of the Korana, allowing visitors a fully interactive experience for all the senses.
