VG13 Architects Wins Maksimir Stadium Competition in Zagreb, Faces Public and Political Backlash
VG13 Architects, hailing from Milan, emerged victorious in an international contest for the new Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, Croatia, yet their design has encountered significant public and political criticism. Organized by the Zagreb Society of Architects and supported by the City of Zagreb and the Croatian State, the competition drew 88 submissions for a UEFA Category 4 stadium with a capacity of 35,000 seats. The current stadium, created by Vladimir Turina in 1946, is slated for demolition in 2027 due to earthquake damage. VG13's proposal includes compact reinforced-concrete seating and a lightweight steel roof. Concerns regarding the competition's integrity have been voiced by critics, including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar. The site is also historically notable for a riot in May 1990 involving Zvonimir Boban.
Key facts
- VG13 Architects, based in Milan, won an international competition for the new Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, Croatia.
- The competition received 88 entries and sought a 35,000-seat UEFA Category 4 stadium and sports district on the edge of Maksimir Park.
- The existing Maksimir Stadium, designed by Vladimir Turina in 1946, was damaged in a March 2020 earthquake and is expected to be demolished in 2027.
- The jury, chaired by Toma Plejić, unanimously selected VG13's design, praising its reinterpretation of Turina's original qualities.
- Public backlash, particularly from GNK Dinamo Zagreb fans, included comparisons of the design to a "cardboard box."
- Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed dissatisfaction and suggested investigating legal options to annul the competition.
- Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar cited serious indications that rules were not applied equally and sought annulment of the decision.
- Architect Damir Ljutić described the design as a "positive surprise" but attributed backlash to a lack of communication with the public.
Entities
Artists
- Vladimir Turina
- Tommaso Fantini
- Alberto Rossi
- Toma Plejić
- Vasa Perović
- François Chas
- Mia Roth-Čerina
- Nenad Fabijanić
- Vjera Bakić
- Tomislav Tomašević
- Tonči Glavina
- Zvonimir Boban
- Andrej Plenković
- Ante Šušnjar
- Damir Ljutić
Institutions
- VG13 Architects
- GNK Dinamo Zagreb
- City of Zagreb
- Croatian State
- Zagreb Society of Architects
- Red Star Belgrade
- Bevk Perović arhitekti
- NP2F
- Studio Campo Baeza
- MAODA
Locations
- Zagreb
- Croatia
- Milan
- Italy
- Maksimir Park
- Medvednica
- Sava
- Belgrade
- Serbia
- Quito
- Ecuador
- Borongaj