The transformation of the VA-MA Center reinterprets an important urban structure in the historic core of Varaždin. Originally designed by renowned Croatian architect Ivan Dragomanović, the project approaches the intervention as a respectful architectural homage while adapting the complex to contemporary urban life.

The new design preserves the urban significance of the site while introducing a mixed-use program that integrates housing, retail, and public circulation. Special attention is given to maintaining a balanced relationship with the surrounding historic fabric while allowing the building to evolve as a contemporary urban landmark.

Currently under construction, the redevelopment introduces a mixed residential and commercial program that will revitalize the complex and extend activity beyond typical retail hours.

The project will combine residential units on the upper levels with commercial spaces on the lower floors, creating a more diverse and sustainable urban program. The transformation aims to strengthen the role of the complex as a central urban node within the city. Completion of the redevelopment is planned for September 2026.

The architectural intervention emphasizes clarity and restraint. The uppermost floor is clad in reflective mirror-finish metal panels, allowing the building to visually dissolve into the sky. This strategy reduces the perceived height of the structure and softens its presence within the historic urban context.

The material approach combines contemporary surfaces with a disciplined architectural language, ensuring continuity with the existing urban fabric while introducing a subtle contemporary identity.

At the heart of the complex is a protected public square designed for year-round use. The enclosed space incorporates a children’s playground and a flexible event platform, reinforcing the centre’s role as a community gathering point.

The square is heated using waste heat from the building’s ventilation systems, creating a comfortable microclimate during colder months and enabling continuous activity throughout the year.

A key urban strategy of the project is the introduction of an internal pedestrian diagonal that connects Kapucinski Square with Vrazova Street. This new passage establishes a direct pedestrian route through the complex, improving permeability and reconnecting two important public spaces within the city center.

The project further integrates with the surrounding urban infrastructure by connecting its -1 level directly to the existing public garage beneath Kapucinski Square, improving accessibility and circulation for both visitors and residents.

The VA-MA transformation envisions a renewed urban landmark that connects architecture, housing, commerce, and public space. Through careful adaptation and contemporary architectural interventions, the project seeks to revitalize a historically significant structure while ensuring its relevance for future generations.