Conceptual design for the reconstruction and extension of the primary school

The school in Preko is located on a distinctly demanding sloped site, positioned between the existing road, the sports field and the natural green backdrop of the island. Even in its current state, the building is terraced into the terrain, with volumes that follow the slope of the plot and create a sequence of split levels, passages and views towards the surrounding school grounds.

The main architectural concept arises from the given structure of the existing school, as well as from the local architecture of the island of Ugljan. The existing building, with its elongated volumes, pitched roofs and rhythm of openings, became the starting point for the new intervention. The extension does not attempt to erase the existing condition, but to continue its logic — through clear volumes, simple lines and a restrained relationship with the terrain.

The design also reflects a relationship with island architecture: with houses that do not dominate their surroundings, but rather adapt to the slope of the land, the light, the wind and the scale of the place. The new part of the school is therefore not conceived as an imposed gesture, but as a continuation of the existing whole — contemporary yet calm; functional yet rooted in the local context.

Main design and site supervision.

Why is this playground important in the urban context?

This location holds significant urban value for the city of Zadar — it connects the City Galleria square with the residential zone of Relja. The space is highly frequented and surrounded by hospitality venues, which further increases its relevance.

The project aims to accommodate diverse user needs, with a strong emphasis on children. The goal is to eliminate existing spatial barriers and connect the newly designed playground with the City Gallerie pedestrian square. Since the local community began independently adding play elements and street furniture, they clearly expressed what this space lacks. The project embraces these spontaneous interventions and responds by adding a thoughtful new communication layer.

Part of a broader concept

This playground, along with others in the series, is conceived as an educational tool. Each is themed around native plant species important to the local ecosystem. All play equipment, furniture, and color schemes were carefully selected to match this theme and blend into the existing environment.

Each playground represents a specific local plant:

1. RELJA : : IMMORTELLE (SMILJE)
2. Š. CEZANE / V. VIDE : : MYRTLE (MIRTA)
3. MASLINA : : OLIVE (MASLINA)
4. RIČINE : : LAVENDER (LAVANDA)

Every playground will feature an informational board about its plant species — describing its role in local flora and fauna, and referencing the other playgrounds to encourage visitors to explore them all. This creates a network of urban spaces that bring nature closer to people, promote education and environmental values, and offer potential as a subtle tourist attraction.

Climbing structure design

To reflect the immortelle theme, and due to a lack of suitable off-the-shelf playground structures, I decided to design original climbing elements. In collaboration with a certified playground safety expert and structural engineer, we developed sculptural climbers that are both safe and symbolically resonant.

A climber that mimics a tree or branches supports child development in many ways:

1. Connection to nature
   Children instinctively relate to organic forms. This kind of structure stimulates imaginative play and a sense of being in nature, even in an urban setting.
2. Motor skill development
   Irregular shapes and textures challenge coordination, balance, and strength more than standard equipment.
3. Creativity and imagination
   Children invent stories of forests and adventures, promoting symbolic play and cognitive growth.
4. Sensory stimulation
   Natural forms and materials offer tactile experiences that enhance perception.
5. Environmental awareness
   Nature-inspired play fosters early emotional bonds with the environment and ecological values.
6. Social development
   Climbing becomes a shared experience, encouraging cooperation and communication.

These structures will be produced locally, in a Zadar-based workshop.

The playground is currently under construction.

Main project.

Where does the concept come from, and why is it called “Maslina”?

The main goal of this project was to clearly separate the playground and pedestrian areas from the adjacent parking lot — prioritizing children’s safety. To achieve this, the design extends onto a neighboring parcel where a large, mature olive tree stands — perfect for climbing and play.

Rather than removing or ignoring this tree, the project embraces it as the focal point and symbol of the neighborhood, which is already named “Maslina” (Olive). The tree becomes a natural centerpiece and a key element in shaping the identity of the playground.

How is the concept materialized?

A newly designed pedestrian path connects the playground to the main sidewalk on Put Bokanjca. The path gracefully curves around the existing olive tree, emphasizing its beauty and importance. It’s momentarily interrupted to accommodate vehicle access to a nearby home, but is then reconnected using a visual design that mimics a pedestrian crossing — in the same color as the rest of the path.

The path takes inspiration from the organic form of olive branches — bending and adapting to the natural context. Two new olive trees will be planted within the playground zone, creating a symbolic “family of olives” that visually and conceptually ties the space together.

Part of a broader concept

This playground, along with others in the series, is conceived as an educational tool. Each is themed around native plant species important to the local ecosystem. All play equipment, furniture, and color schemes were carefully selected to match this theme and blend into the existing environment.

Each playground represents a specific local plant:

1. RELJA : : IMMORTELLE (SMILJE)
2. Š. CEZANE / V. VIDE : : MYRTLE (MIRTA)
3. MASLINA : : OLIVE (MASLINA)
4. RIČINE : : LAVENDER (LAVANDA)

Every playground will feature an informational board about its plant species — describing its role in local flora and fauna, and referencing the other playgrounds to encourage visitors to explore them all. This creates a network of urban spaces that bring nature closer to people, promote education and environmental values, and offer potential as a subtle tourist attraction.

Main project.

What benefits does this project bring to the existing space?

The design clearly separates the playground area from the nearby road to maximize user safety – especially for children. A wooden fence will be placed along the roadside boundary, while the other sides are already bordered by 1-meter-high concrete walls belonging to nearby private properties.

The playground’s layout and surface colors are inspired by the myrtle shrub: green rubber surfacing represents its leaves, white circles (beneath the play equipment) symbolize its white flowers, and dark grey rubber-coated concrete spheres represent the berries.

The playground is slightly set back from the plot boundaries (except at the entrance), forming a green buffer zone that ensures both privacy for neighboring residents and protection from nearby traffic. This zone will feature grass and low vegetation with drip irrigation, including actual myrtle shrubs – the thematic centerpiece of this site – accompanied by an educational sign with botanical and ecological information.

Through the use of color and organic shapes, the space fosters creativity, imagination, and active play throughout the year, supported by shaded, irrigated greenery.

Part of a broader concept

This playground, along with others in the series, is conceived as an educational tool. Each is themed around native plant species important to the local ecosystem. All play equipment, furniture, and color schemes were carefully selected to match this theme and blend into the existing environment.

Each playground represents a specific local plant:

1. RELJA : : IMMORTELLE (SMILJE)
2. Š. CEZANE / V. VIDE : : MYRTLE (MIRTA)
3. MASLINA : : OLIVE (MASLINA)
4. RIČINE : : LAVENDER (LAVANDA)

Every playground will feature an informational board about its plant species — describing its role in local flora and fauna, and referencing the other playgrounds to encourage visitors to explore them all. This creates a network of urban spaces that bring nature closer to people, promote education and environmental values, and offer potential as a subtle tourist attraction.

How did the concept develop?

The public space designated for this intervention lies at the edge of a parking lot accessed from a nearby road. It borders the driveway on the west, touches a public restroom facility on the northwest corner, and is enclosed by a wire fence of a basketball court on the east.

The core idea was to reconcile two contrasting uses of the area: recreational sports and traffic infrastructure – especially considering that the parking lot often accommodates tour buses. The challenge was to design a buffer zone that is both calm and active; a space that separates but also connects.

The new outdoor gym needed to be comfortable and provide moments of privacy, yet remain open, accessible, and safe. This project aims to neutralize the strong visual and physical presence of surrounding infrastructure and create the atmosphere of a “sports hall in nature” – a sheltered but inviting outdoor space that promotes physical activity and social interaction within a pleasant microclimate.

How was the concept materialized?

The new rubber flooring serves multiple purposes: it defines movement paths, acts as workout mats, and includes a shuttle sprint track – ideal for short sprints or agility drills involving acceleration and braking.

An existing asphalt path separates the active workout zone from a shaded rest area beneath pine trees – an inviting place to relax or enjoy a post-workout picnic.
The green areas are being landscaped and made more accessible. At least two red-leaf cherry trees are planned to be planted – their vibrant color palette complements the tones of the rubber flooring and exercise equipment, creating a strong visual cohesion between artificial and natural elements.

Concrete is used only where structurally necessary – for retaining walls and foundations of the equipment and urban furniture.