Kranjčevićeva Stadium

Located in the heart of Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, Kranjčevićeva Stadium is embedded within a dense urban fabric of residential blocks, streets and public spaces. The project involves the comprehensive reconstruction of the existing stadium, transforming an ageing sports venue into a contemporary UEFA Category 4 football stadium capable of hosting high-profile domestic and international matches, including those of GNK Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian national team. The renewed stadium will provide approximately 11,300 fully covered seats, significantly improving spectator comfort while preserving the established role of the site within the city.

The principal architectural challenge was to accommodate the scale and operational requirements of a modern stadium without overwhelming the surrounding neighbourhood. The design therefore adopts a restrained and clearly articulated architectural language. Its overall height is limited to remain in dialogue with the cornice lines of the surrounding buildings, reducing the visual impact of a volume considerably larger than the prevailing local typology.

The façade is defined by a continuous rhythm of vertical slats. This secondary envelope breaks down the apparent scale of the structure, filters views between the stadium and the city, and creates a changing expression depending on the viewing angle and light conditions. Rounded corners further soften the building’s presence and guide pedestrian movement around the perimeter, creating a more welcoming relationship with the surrounding public space.

Sustainable design principles are integrated throughout the reconstruction, with an emphasis on durability, operational efficiency and long-term adaptability. The result is a compact, recognisable and context-sensitive urban stadium: contemporary in performance and identity, yet carefully integrated into the scale and character of central Zagreb.