Authors of the new Maksimir stadium: If it rains from the sides, you'll get wet even inside the covered stadium
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi of VG13 Architects are set to present their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb, which has faced significant criticism from fans and parts of the architectural community. During an interview prior to the presentation, the architects defended the design’s open corners, arguing that all seats are covered by a roof and that lateral rain would affect spectators in fully enclosed stadiums as well. They stated they do not wish to discuss potential changes but rather focus on implementing the current project. The proposed stadium, selected from 88 entries, features four separate stands with open angles and a capacity of approximately 35,000. Critics, including Dinamo fans and the Bad Blue Boys group, have raised concerns about the lack of connection between stands and exposure to weather conditions. Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban acknowledged fan dissatisfaction, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic publicly suggested the possibility of canceling the competition.
Architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi from the Milan-based studio VG13 presented their winning design for the new Maksimir Stadium at the Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb. The presentation was organized under the Mies program to clarify alleged controversies surrounding the project and allow students and colleagues to ask questions directly. Although the architects are parties in ongoing legal proceedings which restrict them from commenting on certain details, they explained that the design accounts for local conditions such as proximity to the forest, seismic resistance, and ventilation. They highlighted features like movable protection against extreme wind, underground parking, and integration into the city through visual axes and terraces. Ana Boljar, president of the Society of Architects of Zagreb, emphasized that the competition required compliance with UEFA Category 4 standards, ensuring user safety and comfort.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports on an architectural presentation aimed at clarifying technical details and addressing public concerns without taking a side on the controversy.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi from studio VG13 presented their design for the new Maksimir Stadium and SRC Svetice at the Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb. They addressed public criticism by explaining that all seats are covered, though extreme wind conditions might affect a small percentage of them. The team defended their geometric design, which features overlapping stands to create a compact atmosphere while allowing views of the adjacent park and natural light for the pitch. They stated that the project uses a combination of solid concrete base and lightweight steel mesh facade, inspired by Turin’s architectural heritage. Despite ongoing scrutiny from fans and political figures, the architects remain confident in the structural integrity and modernity of their proposal.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports the architects' technical explanations and acknowledges existing criticisms from various groups without adopting a partisan stance or using loaded language.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi from the firm VG13 presented their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium at the Zagreb Faculty of Architecture. The proposal features open corners, which has sparked significant debate among fans concerned about exposure to wind and rain. During the lecture, students largely supported the concept, while questions from supporters regarding weather protection were met with some ridicule. Rossi addressed safety concerns by noting that complete protection against extreme weather is rare, citing examples like the Allianz Arena, but assured that visitors would remain dry under normal conditions. Fantini emphasized that the project uses advanced steel structures and materials designed to allow natural light and air circulation, ensuring the pitch remains healthy while maintaining visibility of the surrounding park.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports on an architectural presentation, balancing fan concerns about weather with technical explanations provided by the architects without adopting a critical or supportive stance.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi from the Milan-based studio VG13 presented their winning design for the new Maksimir Stadium at the Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb. The presentation was organized by the City of Zagreb to clarify technical aspects of the project and address public controversies regarding the stadium's open structure. The architects explained that the design incorporates movable protections against rain and extreme wind to ensure spectator comfort while maintaining an open architectural form. They highlighted that the stadium integrates urban elements such as hotels, underground parking, and public transport connections, aiming to meet UEFA Category 4 standards. Although both architects are parties in ongoing legal proceedings which restricts their ability to comment on certain procedural details, they emphasized their commitment to addressing structural challenges through expert consultations.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports on a technical presentation aimed at clarifying architectural details and mitigating public concerns without taking a stance on the controversy.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi responded to widespread criticism regarding their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. The project has faced backlash from fans, politicians, and the public, who describe the structure as resembling a toolbox and express concerns about wind exposure due to open sections. During an interview, the architects defended their design by emphasizing its connection to the urban landscape and the historical architecture of the old stadium. They clarified that while some seats are exposed to wind, all seating areas are covered by a roof, and they dismissed the negative comparisons as a sign of the design's simplicity and clarity. The team stated they would prefer to have engaged earlier with city authorities and fans but maintained that the current procurement process is still ongoing and the outcome is not yet final.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced dialogue between the architects and the reporter, quoting both the specific criticisms and the detailed technical defenses without using loaded language or taking a side.
Architects from the Milan-based studio VG13 Architects responded to public criticism regarding their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. In an interview with RTL Direkt, Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi addressed concerns about the structure's unusual appearance, which has been compared to a toolbox on social media, and functional issues such as exposure to rain and wind. While confirming that all seats are covered by a roof, they acknowledged that spectators might still get wet if rain falls from certain angles due to overlapping surfaces. The architects stated that they remain committed to realizing the project despite ongoing legal challenges and temporary bans on negotiations triggered by complaints. They expressed regret that they did not have the opportunity to discuss the design directly with city officials, the government, and fans immediately after the results were announced.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports the architects' direct responses to specific criticisms and mentions the Prime Minister's dissatisfaction without adopting a partisan stance or using loaded language.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi of VG13 Architects are set to present their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb, which has faced significant criticism from fans and parts of the architectural community. During an interview prior to the presentation, the architects defended the design’s open corners, arguing that all seats are covered by a roof and that lateral rain would affect spectators in fully enclosed stadiums as well. They stated they do not wish to discuss potential changes but rather focus on implementing the current project. The proposed stadium, selected from 88 entries, features four separate stands with open angles and a capacity of approximately 35,000. Critics, including Dinamo fans and the Bad Blue Boys group, have raised concerns about the lack of connection between stands and exposure to weather conditions. Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban acknowledged fan dissatisfaction, while Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic publicly suggested the possibility of canceling the competition.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports the architects' defense alongside specific criticisms from fans, club leadership, and the prime minister without using loaded language or favoring either side.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi visited Zagreb to address public criticism regarding their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium. In an interview with RTL Direkt, they defended the structure's open corners, explaining that overlapping surfaces provide shade and protection despite the appearance of exposed seating. While acknowledging that rain protection is not absolute if water falls from the side due to wind, they insisted all seats are covered by the roof. The architects dismissed negative social media comparisons, such as likening the stadium to a toolbox, viewing the simplicity of the design as a positive attribute. They expressed regret for not engaging earlier with city authorities, the government, and fans after the initial project reveal.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports the architects' direct responses to specific criticisms and includes references to political figures like the Prime Minister only as part of the broader context of public reaction.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi from studio VG13 responded to fan criticism regarding the design of the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. Speaking on RTL Direkt, they defended the structure by explaining that the overlapping stands provide protection from rain and wind, noting that some exposure is inevitable depending on wind direction, similar to other circular stadiums. The architects acknowledged social media jokes about the building's appearance but interpreted them as a compliment to the project's simplicity and clarity. They expressed regret for not having engaged directly with citizens and fans immediately after the initial presentation of the winning proposal.
Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the controversy around a major state-funded infrastructure project and relies exclusively on the defense provided by the private contractors, omitting critical voices from local opposition or civic groups who oppose the specific architectural choices.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi responded to public criticism regarding their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. In an exclusive interview, they addressed concerns about open corners allowing wind and rain exposure, asserting that overlapping surfaces provide adequate protection and that all seats are covered by the roof structure. They dismissed the popular nickname comparing the design to a toolbox, viewing the simplicity as a positive architectural trait rather than an insult. The architects expressed regret that they did not engage earlier with city officials, the government, and fans to clarify the project's features. With the Prime Minister having publicly criticized the design and a review of the public procurement process currently underway, the architects emphasized their commitment to implementing the existing plan rather than making major changes.
Bias read (Conservative): The headline uses dismissive phrasing ('will not be a problem') and the narrative frames the architects' defense against widespread public and governmental rejection, implicitly validating the design over the critics.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi from the Milan-based firm VG13 Architects are scheduled to present their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium at the Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb on Tuesday. The project has already attracted significant negative criticism from the public prior to this presentation. The article notes that the architects are the authors of the selected solution for the stadium renovation.
Bias read (Center): The text neutrally reports the upcoming event and acknowledges existing public criticism without adopting a specific ideological stance or using loaded language to advocate for either side of the debate.
Italian architects Tommaso Fantini and Alberto Rossi from the Milan-based studio VG13 Architects will present their winning design for the new Maksimir stadium in Zagreb on November 3. The project, selected from 88 entries in an international competition, has faced significant criticism from Dinamo fans and parts of the public over recent weeks. The main point of contention is the design featuring four separate stands with open corners, which critics argue lacks cohesion and leaves spectators exposed to weather conditions. Prominent figures including Dinamo president Zvonimir Boban and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal. Plenkovic specifically raised the possibility of annulling the current tender and launching a new one due to the widespread discontent.
Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports the scheduled presentation and lists criticisms from various stakeholders, including fans, club leadership, and the prime minister, without using loaded language or favoring one perspective.
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