The project encompasses an urban area delineated by Vlaška Street, Kvaternikov Trg Square, and Šubieva, Martieva and Dereninova Streets. This is the only area in this part of the city which has not been fully developed and has no clearly determined urban structure and purpose, within which all layers since its construction in late 19th century are transparent. The main idea was to create “A HIGHLY DIVERSE AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL URBAN PUBLIC SPACE”, that serves the purpose of filling the void of a much needed urban landmark in the region.

Badel Block is an extremely potential area for hosting a huge spectrum of activities that are plural, diverse as well as adaptable, in order to offer an optimum and lively solution to the people. Participation of the local population will be the single most important factor in determining the success of the project. The more variety it offers, the more successful it will be. We tried to understand what the local population may really need and is missing. Besides creating the required built-up area for the residential, commercial and other purposes, it was important to introduce the much needed and highly diverse cultural and recreational activities in order to boost the social and cultural value of the place by providing ample green spaces for public interaction.

Part of the site was left open to surrounding areas of the Badel Block in order to pump-up the social activity and to ensure optimum long term use of the facilities provided. It was important to bring these external users to the site to let the occupants reach out to the surrounding areas by creating suitable connections like bridges, walkways and subways. The connection were not just physical, but visual as well. We tried to achieve this by providing a pedestrian bridge from the site to the adjoining open market and to the park nearby. This connection, which happens at the second floor level, is gated and guarded at the point of entrance in order to ensure the privacy and security of the residents. The buildings have been oriented to give the best views to and from the surrounding areas. At the same time, the scale and heights of these buildings have also been carefully worked out in order to improve the existing skyline, without being too aggressive or imposing.

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