Introduction
The proposal is a continuous concrete ramp that spirals up to a platform facing north over the river.
The ‘Urbani Balkoni’ tower would stand 40 m tall south of the Sava River, near the proposed Green Belt connecting Park Mladenaca and City Park.
The climb starts on a narrow concrete ‘Helicoid’ ramp clad in Croatian oak.
360° Views
The ramp starts at ground level and widens as it spirals up.
As the helical path turns, its projecting ‘Urban Balconies’ face every direction, so the climb would give 360° views of the city.
Along the ramp, balconies project out, framing the city at different heights and angles. The lowest, sized for one or two people, are for a moment alone.
The balconies grow as the tower rises, so the higher ones hold more people.
At the top, a ‘Sky Piazza’ would gather visitors on the platform.
Drawing On Zagreb’s Architecture
The tower is designed to offer both personal space and shared space. Its concrete and oak are plain materials that suit the landscape around it.
The ramp and balconies open up the Neo-Brutalist concrete form. The wide cantilevered balconies are the design’s nod to the Secession architecture of Zagreb. The tower would give the city public space in the air.