An organic, parametrically designed envelope unifies the stadium into a rounded, almost floating volume, while large openings and lightweight façade panels preserve its visual permeability. A pedestrian bridge connects Maksimir Park with the sports complex and continues toward Borongaj through a sequence of ramps, terraces and viewing platforms. In the survey area, the halls and public facilities are conceived as fluid pavilions embedded within a network of plazas, green corridors and recreational spaces.

In the first round, the jury reviewed all submitted proposals. Following an examination of the individual projects and an internal discussion, the jury eliminated proposals that, in its opinion, lacked sufficient coherence in their urban approach, design concept or feasibility.

Projects without a sufficiently specific identity were also considered less successful, as were proposals with a less convincing relationship to the city and those characterised by excessive scale or demanding maintenance requirements.