Project
KONNTRA
Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin
Varaždin, Croatia
Streets with (new) meaning
Public plays
Production and commercial diversity
Image: KONNTRA
By engaging all senses to define the experience and stories of a space, the project ought to promote sustainability and local craftsman production.

Over the years, this area has undergone a transformation and has become an important craftsman location. In order to emphasize its purpose and attractiveness, the newly designed solution offers a sensitive approach that would nurture and preserve the current spatial identity. And, still offering new possibilities, better presentation space for the local craftsmen, and public space that is flexible and adaptive to various occasions and events.
Main design criteria, as observed: the relation between the space with the environment, the spatial and form qualities, the modern expression opposing the historical ambient values and most importantly rationality in the concept and the solution. The urban concept enhances the relationship between the square as a free space and the periphery positioned modular kiosks for local craftsmen, which retain the character of the environment and blend seamlessly into it. Public area for presentation, educational sessions, and at the same time open free space for pedestrians, was created. The central space is freed up and offers numerous spatial constellations depending on the needed space. As a gathering point, the open space of the square is enriched by the placement of medium-height trees, and additional wall greenery, which will create shade for the seating areas and give users a comfortable experience.
The project offers an adaptable urban solution, and flexible modular kiosks and, since the craftsmen who will use the kiosks are changing, not permanent. It proposes a design solution including minimal light steel for construction, wooden facade on the exterior, perforated plywood wall panels for shelving that are adjustable in the interior, and movable furniture to offer different configuration for any future user that there will be. For overall space flexibility, the additional urban furniture and movable elements on the square, allow the place to be created according to the user’s needs.
The kiosks set up different atmospheres in different periods during the day and night. Once opened, a minimalistic design with natural plywood finish is visible, to make the products stand out. When closed and unused, the outer vivid pink material on the wooden board facade blends into the surrounding. Adopting sustainable practices, even though in this case on a small scale, it will have a significant impact in the long run for the users and the craftsmanship in the historic city centre in Varaždin.

Impact

By engaging all senses to define the experience and stories of space, a unique project was being established. The urban solution approach, for the public square and contemporary designed square in the Baroque historic city in Varaždin, ought to emphasize and preserve the identity on-site, and at the same time promote sustainability and local craftsman production. The project aims to highlight a new design, for an existing public square in the historical fabric of the city; while formating a functional and inspiring gathering point for tourists and strengthening the educational character.

KONNTRA_Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin, Croatia.

KONNTRA_Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin, Croatia.

KONNTRA_Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin, Croatia.

KONNTRA_Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin, Croatia.

KONNTRA_Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin, Croatia.

KONNTRA

KONNTRA is a young architecture and design studio, based in Slovenia, North Macedonia and Croatia. Was founded in 2018 by Erik Jurišević, Mirjana Lozanovska and Silvija Shaleva. They present a different approach, of understanding and articulating the space we live in. Becoming recognizable, by their approach with contemporary, characteristic and colourful expression, for presenting their architectural projects. As a graphic manifesto with the symbolic associations, they provide a way to understand the stories behind a space they create.
After a several first place awarded competitions in Slovenia and Croatia, in the beginning of the year 2021 one of their projects was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2022. In the same year KONNTRA was part of the 17th Venice Biennale of Architecture as invited exhibitor at Hungarian pavilion. Recently they have cofounded creative hybrid space MAЛА in the city centre of Skopje.

Architectural practice
Slovenia

KONNTRA_Areal view from the secondary school of economics in Vukovar, Croatia.

KONNTRA_Interior public space from the secondary school of economics in Vukovar, Croatia.

KONNTRA_Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin, Croatia.