Arena

Information and Facts about the Arena

Town Sports Hall Varaždin

As the guiding theme the authors took what they found on site – a forest is freed to have something new if a glade is cut. According the Germanic mythology a glade is a mystic place of encounter – encounter of men, of shafts of sunlight with the earth or of morning mist with the dew. Glade is also a enlightened area, the dark woods open, changes its character and makes new activities possible. (“Dichter in der Lichtung”)

We hope to be able to explain the concept of the Varaždin arena with these verses. Urban task in not yet urban landscape… Another almost mystical element is the contact to the river drava. It is there but indirectly because of an embankment.

The arena is constructed as a motor for the upcoming new urban district beneath the industrial zone – the coach terminal and the student campus in direct proximity but directly connected to the traditional woods.  So this part of the town will be developed during the next years. An urban environment connected to the rural landscape of the northern Croatia where the inhabitants of Varaždin can spend their off time.

They can do that on the terrace that connects the river with the woods and the town behind. Furthermore they can follow the river at its side so that again the arena is a connection of urban and commercial offers with landscape and nature.

The arena itself is constructed to get a visual contact between the outdoor surrounding with the interior sports and culture without losing the so called black box impression to host several events. The guest walk to reach the seat is fitted with glass so that the connection to the outdoor always exists. As well the connection in the arena between the main and the training hall for example is possible via a generously proportioned walk.

In vertical dimensions the arena is three parted. The basis is built of concrete, the first level made of glass while the upper part is made of bright material so that sun can be reflected into the dark woods. Herewith the woods can be taken as a part of the new urbanism of this district.

The main task of the arena is the creation of an urban atmosphere in the landscape around the river drava. The sports function is the main one but definitely not the only one. Matches of the IHF Men´s Handball World Cup 2009 were held in the arena but it is as well equipped for all indoor sports activities, concerts and stage events with a large amount of spectators. It can host conferences, exhibitions and alike.