The topic of the master’s thesis is the design of a social, public space in Rijeka, whose primary goal is the creation of open areas for residents, the promotion and raising awareness of the importance of natural resources, and the reactivation of a derelict industrial area. An overview of the current situation in the city reveals problems caused by urbanization: poor accessibility to green areas and a great need for private outdoor spaces. Arranged green areas that meet the needs of residents are located outside the city boundaries and are accessible only to certain groups of users. Due to the favourable location of the city by the sea coast and the river on one side, and the forested landscape on the other, the possibility of daily contact with nature seems inevitable; nevertheless, the city remains separated from it. The proposed solution is the expansion of public space in the form of a multifunctional building, primarily intended for the residents of Rijeka. The project will upgrade the urban public space, satisfy the need for natural environments near the city centre, and promote awareness of global and local environmental issues as well as sustainable development. The project will revive the currently abandoned, forgotten and inaccessible area within the canyon, connected to the city centre and the Rječina River, and will encourage the preservation and protection of the landscape from the consequences of urban development. The idea will improve the accessibility of these spaces for all age groups, young people, older people, as well as those who are unable to leave the city. At the selected project location, there are currently two abandoned mills that once had great importance, but today remain only as a reminder of that important past.
The use of the spaces will be based on the idea of shared spaces that enable encounters between different people. The design is based on the idea of using the space as a social environment with the possibility of private use, such as workshops and lectures, sports, entertainment and other events. The location is connected by an existing path, which runs along the river to the city centre. At present, young people frequently gather in this area, and during spring various social gatherings with music and picnics are organised.
The conceptual design is divided into two types of intervention. The first is an intervention in the already built elements, enabling safe access to and visitation of the site. The second is an intervention with new structures, allowing a wider use of the space. The new elements are placed within the site in such a way that they do not disturb the natural characteristics of the location. The design is primarily a response to the different spatial needs of users: different space sizes, the relationship between enclosed and open space, and the adaptability of individual environments within the building. The renovation of the two abandoned mills on the site, which are established as dominant elements within the space, completes the overall significance of the location. The connection with the city will be achieved through the existing path running through the canyon, which will be restored and adapted to new users as part of the project.
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