The goal of the research conducted during the RAP3 workshop was to formulate a strategy for the future development of Delta based on comprehensive analysis of spatial and social parameters of Rijeka and comparable cities. Rijeka is a port city in transition with rich industrial heritage and a strong position as a cultural gravitation point for the region. As such it lacks appropriate public and recreational infrastructure. Existing public spaces are scarce and due to topography predominantly small interpolated spaces. The port development has taken up the space on the shore and obstructed the public life to exit and engage with the sea. The manmade site of Delta – once a border – now lies at the center of the urban string which constitutes Rijeka. It is in a unique position to offer spaces for leisure and serve the public life on the scale appropriate to the city. Due to its size, good connectivity, and the fact that it has remained a largely unbuilt area – it is imperative to propose a sustainable scenario for the long-term use of the space.

The research findings respond critically to previously organized competitions of which the brief proposed development of housing and mixed program – never interrogating the possibility of an entirely public central city space which can stimulate densification and renewal of existing bordering fabric. A critical component of the site is the parking facilities. The space of Delta is currently used for long and short-term parking space very inefficiently. Large open and valuable areas in the city center are dedicated to storing vehicles, while Rijeka is lacking in pedestrian infrastructure, greenery and contact with the water. To reduce traffic in the inner-city center the strategy proposes two garages on the east and west entrance points into the city with increased capacity and interpolation into the landscape. Delta is very appropriate for a large-scale parking infrastructure since its connectivity to the highway and proximity to the city center. Its location enables fast pedestrian access to Korzo, and Kazališni trg over Mrtvi kanal, to Sušak over the river Rječina and to the proposed park, city beach and marina to the South. These conditions also make it a fitting site for a potential tram line node in the future.

CONCLUSIONS:
1) A large scale metropolitan park with program related to leisure, recreation, water and supporting functions
2) Main city square with excellent connection to public transport and parking facilities, it’s size allowing it to host spectacles such as the Rijeka carnival, the New Year’s concert and the Summer Games.
3) A public parking garage with pedestrian access on neighboring squares, parks and promenades which significantly reduces traffic in the inner-city center.
4) A multifunctional stadium
5) A multifunctional space for cultural events such as theater performances, exhibitions, concerts, conferences and other activities in an enclosed or covered space.
6) A nautical marina with supporting facilities of administration, gastronomy and exhibition space.
7) City aquarium with educational program
8) Additional program which generates movement and attracts both residents and tourists and financially supports the maintenance of the area such as restaurants, offices, galleries, recreation and night life.

GUIDELINES:
defined o plan out activities to safe keep the public space for the future, to accommodate activities that play out the city’s identity and to put it on the daily map of the residents. As a conclusion of the research the following design guidelines were defined. The majority of the open space needs to be reserved for the main city park. The disposition of the buildings and landscape elements should ensure a maximum visual connection to the sea. Diverse program should merge into a simultaneous and multifunctional spaces to ensure action and movement on both the daily and the seasonal cycle. Architectural solutions should focus on binding together functions into systems of activities to articulate to vast open area and create spaces of heterogeneous character. The stadium should connect to the parking facilities, tram station and the main square in a different manner than the public beach is connected to the park and recreational space. The design should incorporate the urban segment of Kazališni blok and inform additional program which contributes to the predominantly unbuilt area of Delta.