Muzamil Mutalib

advisor

City University Malaysia

Malaysia

Lecturer specializing in Interior Design and Architecture, with a strong passion for blending… more

This proposal for a coastal marina and resort in Croatia stands out as an elegant symphony between architecture, landscape and cultural narrative. With a sculptural presence that both celebrates and responds to the dramatic Adriatic terrain, the project skillfully transforms a bay into a poetic and functional destination, offering users both visual serenity and architectural sophistication.

The concept draws strength from a dual symbolism, the folded silhouettes of the surrounding mountains and the graceful curvature of a sailboat’s form. This deliberate abstraction infuses the project with identity rooted deeply in place an act of spatial storytelling that respects natural context while infusing contemporary flair. The dynamic geometry, especially evident in the sloped planes and angular framing, evokes motion, as if the structure itself is in dialogue with the winds and tides that shape the Croatian coast. The design’s environmental sensibility is quietly effective. The intelligent use of shading via projecting rooflines, angled facades, and symbolic sail like structures demonstrates a deep understanding of solar orientation and passive climate control. It’s not only symbolic but also technical, addressing thermal comfort and reducing energy dependency without compromising aesthetic clarity. These strategies exemplify how symbolism and performance can coexist gracefully in architectural form. Functionally, the layout succeeds in orchestrating diverse public and private needs within one flowing pavilion. By integrating accommodation, dining, shopping and sanitary facilities seamlessly within the stepped site, the project enhances user experience without fragmenting the bay’s visual harmony. The stepped terrain not only mimics the cascading mountains behind but also creates a naturally amphitheatric interaction between visitors, the marina and the sea. Materially, the project strikes an inspiring balance. The warmth of timber softens the angular concrete forms, while stone paving and expansive glazing ground the building in both tectonic authenticity and openness. Each element contributes not only to the project’s structural legibility but also to its experiential richness inviting touch, light and movement in meaningful ways.

In conclusion, this student work is a mature architectural gesture that bridges place, purpose and poetic form. It honors the Croatian coastal identity through a sensitive and striking composition, positioning architecture as both shelter and sculpture. With its strong conceptual underpinning, sustainable response and thoughtful detailing, this project offers a compelling vision of future coastal development where design uplifts both landscape and community.