A dynamic envelope of projecting metal cubes wraps the stadium like a three-dimensional mosaic, creating a shifting silhouette that changes with viewpoint and light. Behind this articulated outer layer, glazed public programmes and internal concourses remain visible, while night lighting further emphasises the depth of the façade. In the survey area, the stadium, sports halls, athletics facilities and transport systems are linked by a network of public plazas, planted spaces and pedestrian routes extending between Maksimir and Borongaj.

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.