A single rounded rectangular form is composed of horizontal precast-concrete bands. The exposed structure becomes the architectural expression, while planted terraces soften the building’s mass. A continuous elevated podium wraps the building and links Maksimir Park, the sports facilities and Borongaj through a public pedestrian and cycling route. User flows are separated through section and level rather than permanent fencing.

For the second round, the jury established additional evaluation criteria. These included the urban concept, the quality and feasibility of the proposal, the integration of buildings and public spaces, and the organisational and formal qualities of the individual buildings, with particular emphasis on the stadium proposal.

Generic or overly expressive structures that strongly defined the stadium’s identity but presented significant challenges in terms of construction or cost were considered less appropriate to the programme and context. The same applied to high-maintenance materials and an excessive reliance on vegetation within the stadium.

The possibility of phased construction was also an important criterion for elimination, while the jury continued to recognise the architectural quality of the programme’s articulation.