NFO's vibrant urban zones redefine public square in croatia

an urban collage: NFO transforms koprivnica’s central squares

Koprivnica’s central area has undergone a transformation with three distinct zones: Ban Jelačić Square, a wide tree-lined street hosting seasonal events; the Market Square, a hub for pedestrians and bicycle traffic; and the main Zrinski Square, an intersection flanked by a green city park and various structures Designed by Croatian architecture studio NFO, each zone boasts distinct potential, creating the opportunity to integrate them into Koprivnica’s central public spaces. By utilizing various urban equipment, an interplay of light and shade, and vibrantly hued pavings, the architects have formed an urban collage of smaller zones created with regard to the context and habits of citizens of Koprivnica.

The square transforms into a collage of activities, defined by micro-locational nuances and anchored by an X-shaped axis network of bicycle paths. Embracing flow as integral to the new city square’s functionality and viewing bicycle paths as a coordinate system, twelve smaller zones have been carved between these paths and the square’s perimeter. Each zone aligns with its context or introduces new amenities, creating a patchwork of urban spaces tailored to Koprivnica’s habits and surroundings. The art zone in front of the gallery features pedestals for exhibitions, and circles on the ground for artistic expressions, maple tree-shaded areas serve as pop-up zones for summer events, while cafes, bars, and restaurants serve as designated coffee zones with parasols and tables.

all images courtesy of NFO

urban equipment and vibran pavings enliven the 12 zones

The spatial dynamics of Zrinski Square, viewed from above, act as an intersection of roads and pedestrian paths stretched between streets and smaller squares in the east and west. This has made the main square of Koprivnica a transit place, defined more by fluidity and movement, and less by lingering and everyday activities. The X-shaped bicycle lane employs rough-hewn concrete to emphasize material shifts, while the revamped fountain, mirroring the old flower garden’s shape, now serves as a multipurpose fountain paved with gray flamato sandstone. It sits 2 cm below the square level, forming a reflective water mirror in cooler months and transforming into a water playground during summer.

Across Zrinski Square, the architects at NFO have predominantly integrated concrete pavers of varied dimensions, layouts, and processing schemes. Paver colors derive from careful analyses of surrounding facades, historical heritage, and the Podravina ambiance itself. Paths with reddish paving stones nod to old brick roads, while multifunctional gathering zones are ocher-yellow for symbolic significance, and other areas are in shades of gray. Meanwhile, mosaics at the center reinterpret Podravina embroidery motifs.

The square’s urban equipment adapts to the environment, promoting diverse activities. Wooden benches grace the park area, the art square features benches and pedestals, and concrete circular benches encircle tall trees toward the park entrance. A solar tree with Wi-Fi, power outlets and a weather data display dominate the library and cinema front, while sculptures, including a new monument to cyclists, adorn opposite sides of Zrinski Square. Horticultural additions mirror existing species, with Acer globosum maples enhancing Ban Jelačić and Market squares, and Japanese maples adorning the art zone.

NFO transforms Koprivnica’s central area with three distinct zones, including the main Zrinski Square