Hommage to a grid

For centuries, the main entrance to Stari Grad on Hvar, one of Europe’s oldest cities, has lacked a distinct identity. Despite its strategic importance and the wealth of Roman and Greek ruins surrounding it, the square remained unremarkable. Our challenge was to reimagine how this square could reconcile its ancient heritage with contemporary needs. The result is a space that achieves a sense of monumentality, free of unnecessary elements.

The design of the square draws inspiration from a single, powerful theme: it pays tribute to the Greek parceling of the nearby Starogradsko polje, a UNESCO-protected site. This is the oldest known Greek land division in the Adriatic and one of the island’s most distinctive features. In essence, the square is an homage to the ancient network of dry stone walls that defines the landscape.

Large-format terrazzo slabs, infused with pigment and stone fragments, are laid out to evoke the density of the visual layers that once covered the square and the agricultural field it represents. The surrounding stone is finished with irregular edges to seamlessly connect with the historic streets. The only new structure in the square is a 36-meter-long terazzo bench by the sea, which incorporates a model of the city. Positioned on the square’s only open side, it serves as both a physical boundary and a vantage point with unobstructed sea views.

The terazzo slabs, each measuring 9 meters by 45 centimeters, are laid out with the same orientation as the original Greek field divisions. They are scaled-down versions — 200 times smaller — of the original land parcels, which measured 900 by 180 meters. This design reflects our ongoing commitment to merging traditional values and local craftsmanship with modern concepts and materials. The junctions with the ancient streets are crafted from stone in historical formats, using traditional laying techniques, while the large slabs are produced with contemporary methods.

Water, a critical reason for Stari Grad’s original settlement, is also an integral element of the square’s design. The square’s surface incorporates system of nozzles that emit a fine mist, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Water mist also cools down the surfaces around it creating a pleasant ambience around the square. At the same time, water poses a challenge in the form of frequent tides that flood nearby houses and restaurants. The new square is engineered to act like a well, channeling the tidal water away from the buildings and back to the sea more quickly, ensuring both functionality and respect for the site’s history.

Type
Location
Date
Floor area
Design
Photography

Public square
Stari Grad, Croatia
2021
1047 m²
Morpharos architects
Morpharos architects