There is no question that this arena in Zagreb, Croatia will become a landmark for the Balkans. Graceful columns reflected against the night take us back to the days of the Holy Roman Empire with a modern update. The arena was built to host, get this, the 2009 World's Handball Championship. UPI-2M designed this gem.

Architizer.com comments:

"The unique shape of this building is strongly inspired by its significance in the city context, but also by its mega-structural characteristics that predefined main bearing elements. Shaped as a protective rib cage around the building essence ? the court, 86 large pre-stressed, pre-fabricated concrete curved columns form the main fade, mutually connected by illuminate semi-translucent polycarbonate envelope that enables various light effects.

The elevated pedestrian access platform connects the building through several pedestrian ramps and staircases to the existing surrounding as well as to the neighbouring new planned shopping / entertainment centre, representing by its emphasis the future gathering point.

The example of last Olympic Games in Beijing demonstrates the spectacular and theatrical context of contemporary sporting events, which requires adequate spatial response in architectural solutions for hosting venues. On the other hand, their size in comparison with the standard city scale, also implicates the significance they have in the global city image. However, it takes much more: by well designed shaping synergized with structural requirements and urban context all conditions are fulfilled for iconic recognition and for access to the list of city emblems. Hopefully Arena Zagreb achieved that intention!"