Muzamil Mutalib

advisor

City University Malaysia

Malaysia

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

This proposal for the Marina in the Recreation Centre in Starigrad, Croatia is an outstanding example of architectural sensitivity to both context and climate, paired with intelligent spatial programming and a refined material palette. The student has crafted a thoughtful and cohesive solution that is elegant, functionally rich and ecologically aware one that celebrates the coastal character of the Mediterranean while introducing new infrastructure with minimal visual disruption. The strength of this project lies in its clear commitment to blending with the terrain. The circular and terraced form feels organic, gently cascading along the site contours, while the extensive green roof is more than just a sustainable gesture, it allows the architecture to recede into the landscape. This seamless integration reflects a maturity in thinking about how architecture should exist with the landscape rather than on top of it.

Programmatically, the marina is articulated with clarity and hierarchy. The ground floor houses essential services such as restaurants, cafes, shops and a boat repair shop all amenities that are logically oriented toward the harbor edge and designed for daily activity and seasonal vibrancy. The second ground floor elegantly transitions to more private functions with bars and apartments offering expansive views effectively capitalizing on the site’s panoramic potential. The choice of materials concrete, wood and glass shows a sophisticated balance between permanence and warmth. Polished concrete ensures durability and passive cooling for interior spaces in the Mediterranean heat, while the wooden ribbed shading devices offer a tactile softness and dynamic control of light. The operable glass elements between columns further blur the line between inside and out, creating a continuous spatial and experiential flow ideal for a coastal recreational environment. Technically, the structural system is robust and pragmatic. The use of a monolithic concrete shell, combined with steel columns that double as architectural features, adds an expressive character to the building. The thoughtful incorporation of shading, green roofs and environmental protection devices suggests a strong understanding of both climate adaptation and user comfort.

This marina does more than provide mooring and hospitality it becomes a cultural anchor. The “square” for public gatherings, the connection to local pedestrian paths and the integrated green parking lot all highlight the project's civic ambitions. Rather than being isolated, the design reinforces its role as part of a larger urban and ecological network. In sum, this is a compelling, well executed, and architecturally poetic intervention that honors the spirit of Starigrad’s coast while offering contemporary, forward-thinking design. It is a project that not only meets the assignment brief but elevates it into something profoundly memorable. Bravo.