The Project

Project anticipates development of a tourist-urban leisure field incorporated in the contrast of nature and urbanization along the„Split-Riviera“, while erasing the heavily polluted industrial complex.

The strategy is to accept the densification of the mainland coast in order to keep nature resources on the Dalmatian islands preserved.

1km2 CITY = 10km2 NATURE. Dugi Rat’s plain shall provide the region of central Dalmatia with public urban facilities and generate a 24h – 365 days vivid urban – botanic – landscape = “Urbotanoscape“ ©.

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Site / Urbanization of linear sprawl

Dugi Rat is located on the narrow coastline of the middle Dalmatia, between Split and Makarska. Northern part of the coastline is enclosed by the mountain Kozjak – Mosor – Bikovo. Border towards the seashore is determined by the sand beaches of the extreme natural beauty. Consequently, built areas alongside that part of the coast are formed as a linear sprawl. Areas between the old villages and the coastline are encountering the process of rapid building of a small scale, mainly private apartment buildings. Space between the sea and the road is formed as the area of high density which ignores public services and infrastructure. Dugi Rat is located in the middle of the linear sprawl. Industrial complex is situated on a small peninsula unique for the whole Dalmatian coast.

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The concept rules / Urban - botanic - landscape

Respecting the industry matrix and its most valuable industry monuments.

Providing a maximum of open public space in form of one huge botanical garden.

Well mixed population, disperse program mix, all over 24 hour activity.

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The future of the end

All the experiences have shown that a project can be finished in two ways: a) immediately or b) never. But we propose a third way, which is:

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Presentation of implementation phases flexible in a relation to (un) known future program

Presentation and public debate, Dugi Rat 26/03/2007 In addition, a project anticipated an opportunity of development phases:

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Collaboration with local community

When Matra project appeared in spring 2004 Municipality officials recognize the potentials of a project: visualization and delineation of site’s development potentials in order to initiate and support discussions on possible solutions for the factory’s site reconstruction, as a negotiation tool which addresses different stakeholders ranging form the state to private investors.

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Croatian Archipelago New Lighthouses / the strengths and the weaknesses

Description of the location Dugi rat recent developments illustrates the strengths and the weaknesses of a project. On one hand, Croatian Archipelago New Lighthouses is opening a platform for an open debate on a coastal development, taking into consideration all the interests present and involving the citizens into the process. On the other hand, it is limited by the motivation and eagerness of all the parties to participate and cooperate in a public debate. Finally, a project’s ideas and objectives, urgent need for the alternative development patterns of the coast and public participation in a decision – making process, have unanimous support on a broad level. It is why project is so attractive to media. However, when it comes to an operational level, lack of enthusiasm and self-initiative to undertake an action that steps out the standard framework of behavior and strongly present disbelief that a change is possible within the existing circumstance characterizes Croatian society today and presents an obstacle.