elementary school in Umag

Location Umag, Croatia

Client/operator Municipality of Umag

Landscape architect Studio Marić d.o.o. HR – 52470 Umag www.mau.hr

Author Nenad Marić Photos Studio Marić d.o.o. Official opening 2022

ACTIVITY PROGRAMME WITH ORANGE CIRCLES

PLAYING FIELD AT “MARIJA I LINA” ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN UMAG

The previously abandoned and unused school playing field at the “Marija i Lina” elementary school has been converted into a gathering place for local residents, athletes and children. The Municipality of Umag asked Studio MAU to redesign the playing field and transform the surrounding environment. With the aid of public participation, the school playing field has been given a design that makes it open and attractive to everyone.

The location comprises a wide regional road with roundabouts, a school sports hall and a spacious green area, while the existing playing field consisted of three basic elements: the playing field area proper, the track surrounding the field with its embankment, and the area outside the track.

A place for socializing and gathering The intention was to give access to more users outside school hours. Apart from the fact that demand for well-designed outdoor sports facilities is constantly growing (which became especially evident during the period of pandemic-related restrictions), the designers believe that well-designed space can generate new opportunities for socializing and meeting. The design approach was to eliminate visual and spatial barriers to the school and green area, with the intention of opening the playing field to the town, while still complying with the sports facility standards.

By installing circular elements, with spaces for resting and socializing, the three elements of “path”, “field” and “embankment” are linked together. Inside the circular elements, sports stands, benches for socializing and elements for resting athletes have been formed. The „orange circles“ connect the playing field with its surroundings and create new entrances across the embankment. In addition, the circles also become places with open views towards the playing field and all its sports areas.

Balanced activity programme The activity programme consists of two basketball courts, one handball and one futsal court, outdoor gym, long jump area, table tennis and volleyball courts. Sport fields are laid in a north-south direction in order to ensure the same conditions for everyone to practice sports.

Horizontal graphics and carpet structures are used as elements defining the space, creating a system of in-between spaces for individual sports. In addition to generating a pulsating public space and the revitalization of sport in the wider town centre, the project offers all the prerequisites for professional and recreational sports activities.