small modern living blog - blue split
We met with Hrvoje Njirić on a mild inland day in Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. The well-known architect was on a deadline and expressed remorse for, in his words, “only being able to spend an afternoon with us.” We were initially hoping for a quick tour of his studio and perhaps a few minutes to learn more about his work. An entire afternoon with Mr. Njirić was the best surprise on our journey. The intersection of social work and architecture was on full display as we toured the city with our charismatic guide.
In all honesty, I was feeling sad to leave the Croatian coast and begin our voyage to Zagreb - the sun-drenched islands and blue salty water was a vision I did not want to leave behind. My sadness quickly dissipated upon approaching the quaint modernized building of njiric+ arhitekti. The interior was full of architect books, models, and handwritten notes detailing what I imagined to be ideas furiously scribbled down before they were lost forever in a moment. A few architects smiled politely as their eyes darted up from brightly lit computer screens - an early-morning deadline fast approaching.
In his studio, he showed us renderings of past and present projects, his creative process on full display. We ventured through the streets of Zagreb and toured a few of his selected works. They were all impressive and spoke to me in different ways. I imagined being a young child learning at the Kindergarten MB in Zagreb, a compact learning space made of small units, patios, and glass corridors in the backdrop of a busy urban neighborhood. The building comes together by way of a children’s street that has unique developmental experiences such as the ability to experiment playing different professions. It was initially difficult for me to differentiate between which areas were indoor vs. outdoor enclosed patios, which seemed to extend the usable space. Although the building has a small footprint, it’s spirit is mighty and beautiful to take in. A carefully designed place was certainly created for children to play and develop - A place they are able to thrive by way of developmentally -appropriate design features and creativity within a small site plan.
Hrvoje attended the University of Zagreb and later taught in Graz, Austria. He returned in the late 1990’s to start his own firm that would focus on designing projects of landscape and public use. He viewed this time as a great opportunity to be a part of rebuilding his country - Public spaces in urban settings could be transformed in a post-war climate. He continues work with his firm, teaches at the university, and travels around the world sharing his love of architecture to those he encounters.
As we parted, Hrvoje’s scarf was pulled around his neck, signaling the cooler inland temperatures, a far cry from the blue waters in Split and further South. His words were of intention, warmth, and passion, - He was truly a steward of his craft. Hrvoje didn’t need a lot of space. He didn’t need the most expensive materials to create something incredible. Sometimes less really can mean more. The blue waters of Split, the Dalmatian Coast, and the magical backdrop of Diocletian’s Palace drew me to this place. The afternoon spent with Hrvoje was a sudden proof that pebbled beaches were no longer my singular preferred way to spend an afternoon.
Hrvoje’s larger projects include: Baumax Hypermarket (with Helena Njiric) in Maribor (1999), McDonald’s Drive-In (with Helena Njiric) in Maribor (2000), Hypo Alpe Adria Bank in Sisak (2003), Kindergarten MB in Zagreb (2005), Gračani Housing in Zagreb (2007), Kindergarten Sunce in Zagreb (2007), Rural Mat in Zagreb (2008).