Article source: Studio 3LHD

The Karlovac freshwater aquarium is located on a site of a planned campsite by the river Korana. The building volume is partially dug into the ground and covered with earthen embankments from its outer edges. The design concept was inspired by the city’s historic center “Karlovac star” surrounded by “Šanci” – defensive earthen walls and mounds. The goal was to form a new city focal point on the right side of Korana River, to validate the promenade and make a new tourist attraction. A public square area is defined by the aquarium building surrounding it. The main pedestrian routes intercept it in three main directions: western towards the city center and the promenade, southern towards the neighboring polyvalent area used for concerts and eastern towards the main road approach and the stadium. The aquarium facilities are hidden around the square without disturbing the natural Korana valley.

The Aquarium is located on the bank of river Korana, covered with and covered with earthen embankments and embedded in the natural landscape, Image Courtesy © Jure Zivkovic

• Architects: Studio 3LHD
• Project: Karlovac Freshwater Aquarium and River Museum
• Location: Gornje Mekušje, Karlovac, Croatia
• Photography: Jure Zivkovic, Miljenko Bernfest
• Client: City of Karlovac
• Project team: Saša Begović, Marko Dabrović, Tatjana Grozdanić Begović, Silvije Novak, Irena Mažer Hranuelli, Vibor Granić, Deša Ucović, Ivana Šajn, Nevena Kuzmanić, Romana Ilić
• Structural engineering: Ivan Palijan, Siniša Lulić (Palijan d.o.o.)
• Electrical engineering: Erol Čičić, Antonio Praničević (Projekting 1970)
• Mechanical installations: Zlatko Jakoplić (Ured 3T d.o.o.)
• Landscape design: Luka Brnić (Uređenje krajobraza d.o.o.), Ines Hrdalo
• Fire safety, health & safety project: Nadan Kosanović (ING Labos)
• 3D: Boris Goreta
• Signage and environmental graphics design: Bilić_Muller Studio (Dora Bilić, Tina Müller)
• Aquarium setup: Marko Ćaleta (Faculty of Teacher Education, Zagreb), Zoran Marčić (Faculty of Science, Zagreb)
• Graphic design of the exhibition: Dora Bilić, Tina Mueller (Bilić_Müller Studio)
• Main contractor: AB Gradnja d.o.o, ENA d.o.o., KGH d.o.o.

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