City of Split Heritage Journal, No. 34, 2007.
Professional paper
A REQUIEM FOR THE SPLIT RIVA
Duško Kečkemet
Abstract
The old waterfront in Split was traditionally a quay, and also the place of gathering and promenade of the citizens of Split. Its asphalt surface needed to be redone, and the lamp posts and café chairs and tables improved.
The City invited tenders for the renovation of the Riva. The jury consisting of architects chose the project of the Zagreb architecture studio that designed a completely new Riva, regardless of its traditional aspect and function, whereas its tradition was affected, and the
classical Diocletian’s palace on it degraded.
The functional and nice benches, lamp posts, previous café chairs and tables etc. were removed without any reason and replaced by new ones of doubtful aesthetics and functionality.
The Riva has not been paved with the traditional and quality stone from the island of Brač that has perfectly been preserved for as many as 1700 years in Diocletian’s Palace and for 150 years in the city harbor. Instead, huge and heavy concrete blocks have been used.
The Split Riva has thus lost its prominent urban and social traditional value and functionality.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
67077
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2007.
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