How to read the space complex of Forum/Obala (or the birth of an urban plan of the town of Zadar)

Abstract

Author informs critically and analytically about dilemmas in shaping the urban plans of Zadar in the period from 1989 to 1990 (when for the first time the actual General urban plan i.e. GUP was proposed) until today. Side by side with this GUP a contraversive PUP (Detailed urban plan) was also proposed for the historical nucleus but was not mentioned any more except for its starting points which were periodically renewed. In discussions while proposing plans, i.e. changes and amendments two basic aspects were established. First aspect which was used for making initial proposed plans bears mainly official character and technically shaped viewpoints, while the opposite aspect is being reinforced by the author himself, based on the culturological approach i.e. on the vision of the town primarily as the human settlement balanced equally in the material and spiritual sense. The central problem which clearly reflects the differences of the both viewpoints is the question of the relationship towards the historical nucleus and especially towards its central monumental complex. Forum and Krešimirova obala. The initiators of the plans (GUP and PUP, 1989) state and defend the idea of the historical nucleus and the monumental complex as a universal cultural and business centre of the integrated Town, and after such viewpoints they plan abundant building operation just at the very area. They partly support the situation at the area which happened to be there after the fortifications had been tom down. That view disappeared in bombing of the World War II. On the contrary the culturological view persistently stands at emphasising the special status of the historical nucleus, as a protected urban unit and as culturally- historical and natural significance of the area Forum-Obala. On that bases the specific character of the historical town, its criteria and corresponding capacities should be preserved. Forum-Obala should be cultivated for social contacts as a high quality space surrounded by cultural and historical heritage and natural beauty. Modern life and business centres should be previewed at the areas of new Zadar. As the public opinion offered resistance in the year 1989 GUP wasn(t set forth at the Municipal Assembly but three years later in 1992, in the new Croatian state, the Assembly accepted it although in a new redaction and with completely changed standpoints, being now more culturological than before. Shortly after that certain criticism seemed to arise at the accepted GUP. All that criticism was constituted as a new proposal of "changes and amendments", but now from the opposite aspect, based primarily on market and technical criteria. The idea of an integrated Town comes to light again while the specific status of the historical nucleus isn't taken in consideration. However in the regime of building it is mentioned and included in "zone A" together with complete urban infrastructure. The solution out of these controversies on space organisation of the town of Zadar the author sees in holding of multidisciplinary conference which should establish the general concepts as a frame for the successful practical operation.