Maksimir stadium design faces criticism from architect Otto Barić

Maksimir stadium architectural controversy VG13 Architects Zagreb infrastructure stadium design

Architect Otto Barić has launched a sharp critique of the winning design for the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. Barić argues that the selected project, submitted by the Italian studio VG13 Architects, functions more as a sculpture than a practical sports facility. He claims that out of 88 competition entries, 87 were actual stadium designs, whereas the winner deviates significantly from the expected form.

Barić further contends that the jury was disconnected from practical architectural needs and that the design fails to meet the competition's requirement for a cohesive and connected spectator structure. He pointed out potential functional issues, such as impractical evacuation stairs, and noted that the design does not provide the compact, high-energy atmosphere requested in the original tender.

The project is a joint 204 million euro investment between the City of Zagreb and the Croatian government, intended to create a 35,000-seat stadium. Barić suggested that canceling the competition would not be shameful if supported by strong arguments, noting that the Prime Minister's reaction to the selection has been expected.

Entities

City of Zagreb · Government of Croatia · Maksimir Stadium · Otto Barić · VG13 Architects

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Canceling the competition would not be shameful if valid arguments are presented. www.24sata.hr · www.index.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] The winning project was selected from 88 total entries. www.24sata.hr · www.index.hr · www.vecernji.hr
[● 2 SOURCES] The jury was disconnected from reality and lacked practical architectural experience. www.24sata.hr · www.index.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The proposed Maksimir stadium is intended to have a capacity of 35,000 seats. www.vecernji.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The winning design fails to provide a cohesive and connected spectator structure as required by the competition rules. www.vecernji.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The new Maksimir stadium project is a joint investment by the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Government valued at 204 million euros. www.vecernji.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The winning design for the Maksimir stadium was submitted by the Italian studio VG13 Architects. www.vecernji.hr
[● 2 SOURCES] 87 of the 88 entries submitted were designed as stadiums. www.24sata.hr · www.index.hr

Sources

Otto Barić: 'Nije sramota niti poništiti natječaj o Maksimiru. Reakcija premijera? Očekivana' [www.24sata.hr]

about 22 hours ago

Otto Barić: 87 radova su bili stadioni. Oni su odabrali 88. , koji je skulptura [www.index.hr]

about 19 hours ago

Arhitekt Barić o Maksimiru: 'Pogledajte što je pisalo u natječaju, 87 nas je shvatilo, samo jedan nije' [www.vecernji.hr]

1 day ago