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KEYWORDS
design direction, place branding, spacial design, environmental graphic design, signage, football stadium
THE CLIENT
NK Osijek, Croatia
Y 2022-2023
Opus Arena
DESIGN DIRECTION / PLACE BRANDING
The design intention was to create distinct atmospheres shaped by functionality and user experience within each stadium zone, with a design language that respects the architecture, reflects the location, and communicates football culture.
By blending nature-inspired aesthetics rooted in the site’s architectural context with sport-driven visual elements, the design creates a harmonious, poetic atmosphere—amplified by the energy and beauty of the game, and celebrating the club, the fans, and the city of Osijek.
By blending nature-inspired aesthetics rooted in the site’s architectural context with sport-driven visual elements, the design creates a harmonious, poetic atmosphere—amplified by the energy and beauty of the game, and celebrating the club, the fans, and the city of Osijek.
THE SOLUTION
Opus Arena, a home of FC Osijek, is a landmark of modern sports architecture and the first newly built football stadium in Croatia in 50 years. It is a state-of-the-art stadium and training complex in the natural surrounding of Pampas area.
The architectural design language embodies simplicity and elegance. Nestled within a verdant enclave near the picturesque Drava River, an architect's vision was to create a structure that is simultaneously monumental and harmonious with its surroundings.
The architectural design language embodies simplicity and elegance. Nestled within a verdant enclave near the picturesque Drava River, an architect's vision was to create a structure that is simultaneously monumental and harmonious with its surroundings.
CONTEXT
Creative direction for space branding, including environmental graphics, signage, and spacial design guidelines for the stadium's interior.
The goal was to affirm the stadium’s identity through its connection to architecture, the club, fans, community, city, and the Pampas locality.
The goal was to affirm the stadium’s identity through its connection to architecture, the club, fans, community, city, and the Pampas locality.
THE OBJECTIVE
Opus Arena
THE HOME OF FC OSIJEK
THE HOME OF FC OSIJEK
SPACIAL DESIGN-COLORS, TEXTURES, MATERIALS
DESIGN DIRECTION
FC OSIJEK
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The club white is the dominant color of architecture and interiors
As a color from a neutral palette, it is a fundamental color in interior space. -
Blue, representing NK Osijek, is used in varying proportions to mark the space and reinforce the club's identity. - While signature blue is the color for graphic signage, different shades are allowed in interior design, leaning toward neutral tones to maintain balance and avoid excessive symbolism.
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Black is used in details or as the dominant color in VIP areas, symbolizing excellence and exclusivity, enhancing the elegance of the space. -
Linear patterns appear in textures and graphics but are not interpreted literally in the interior.
White is the dominant color in the interior.
Going from pure white to off white and to gray shades creating neutral palette
Going from pure white to off white and to gray shades creating neutral palette
Blue creates a specific space atmosphere and communicates the club
In interior design, different shades of blue are allowed to set the mood of a space and to avoid excessive symbolism.
In interior design, different shades of blue are allowed to set the mood of a space and to avoid excessive symbolism.
ARCHITECTURE
Architecture is simultaneously monumental and harmonious with its surroundings.
A clear structure defined by three main architectural elements: roof, pillars, and facade.
A clear structure defined by three main architectural elements: roof, pillars, and facade.
in signage applications, utilize architectural surfaces whenever possible
use visible structure, elementary shapes and elements
rhythm and graphic
LOCATION
Pampas is characterized by gravel and sandy riverbanks of the Drava river, the city landmark.
colors and textures of the location
use natural color palettes and textures to achieve harmony, subtlety, and a poetic atmosphere in design
refinement of a natural palette in spacial design
GOLD – THE SYMBOL OF SUCCESS
Inspired by golden wheat fields and riverbanks, gold represents wealth and sporting success.
Used in details, it adds significance to specific elements, reinforcing excellence, pride, tradition, and the club’s winning spirit.
Used in details, it adds significance to specific elements, reinforcing excellence, pride, tradition, and the club’s winning spirit.
gold is applied in 2 directions-subtle or extravagant
aesthetic of gold color
application of gold in signage system
TERRACOTTA – A LINK TO HERITAGE
Inspired by Osijek’s cathedral, orange color is incorporated through natural terracotta hues or fluorescent orange in small details, symbolizing sports culture and adding dynamism to the color palette.
aesthetic of terracotta in spacial design
sport aesthetic - the vibe of fluorescent orange
CLUB VALUES REFLECTED IN DESIGN:
FC Osijek core values: Passion, Respect, Dedication, Unity and Ambition
The Beauty of Movement and the Game
Incorporate large-scale images of players in motion to emphasize the beauty of the game-athleticism, skill, and the passion of players.
VISUAL NARRATIVE IN SPACIAL DESIGN
DESIGN DIRECTION
FANS ICONOGRAPHY
Incorporate fan slogans and iconography to strengthen the bond between the stadium, club, city, and supporters.
Urban and Football Culture
Utilize the visual language of street art and local subcultures to create a
Spatial Emotion of Pride & Belonging.
Spatial Emotion of Pride & Belonging.
GRAPHIC ELEMENTS
Geometric patterns are a key element of the visual identity, used
within the signage system and spatial graphics.
within the signage system and spatial graphics.
Game Analysis
A crucial aspect of professional football and a favorite topic among fans
DESIGN LANGUAGE
aesthetics of the design language in EGD
Kohorta
the devoted SUPPORTERS of NK Osijek
the devoted SUPPORTERS of NK Osijek
Centurion, a symbol of Kohorta fan club, should be simplified into a single color, in a stencil-like manner for a bold and iconic representation
Restaurant Bar
Spectators Sanitary Facilities
Sanitary facilities
Restaurant
SkyBox
Office Space
CREDITS
Interior Designer, Senka Skenderović
Hotel Room
Locker Rooms
Gym
Entrace Hall
CREDITS
Interior Designer, Martina Salitrežić
ENVIROMENTAL GRAPHIC DESIGN
DESIGN SOLUTION
PATTERN
FC Osijek SYMBOLS + GEOMETRIC ELEMENTS
PATTERN
FC Osijek SYMBOLS + GEOMETRIC ELEMENTS
The pattern has a wide application and is used in different combinations of colors and elements.
GRAPHIC LANGUAGE
FC Osijek SYMBOLS + GEOMETRIC ELEMENTS + graphic textures + FOOTBALL NARRATIVE
APPLICATION IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
FAN SHOP
CREDITS
Interior Designer, Senka Skenderović
MURAL - FOOTBALL ACADEMY
PHOTO IMAGERY
all pictures are treated in halftone texture in bigger or smaller scale
COLOR TREATMENT
EXTERIOR SIGNAGE
DESIGN SOLUTION
One of the key architectural and urban planning features of Opus Arena is its seamless integration with the surrounding public space. Unlike many stadiums that stand isolated from their environment, Opus Arena opens up to a public area. To strengthen this connection, the wayfinding and signage system was intentionally designed using the visual language of traffic signage and urban graphics. This design choice strengthens the link between the stadium, the public city area, and FC Osijek.
WAYFINDING | EXTERIOR SIGNAGE | PEDESTRIAN JOURNEY
Wayfinding inspired by urban graphics and traffic signage
LINKING the city and the stadium experience
LINKING the city and the stadium experience
Architecturally integrated wayfinding elements
DESIGN ELEMENTS | TYPE, COLOR , PICTOGRAMS
Stadium exterior signage plan – schematic overview
Opus Arena
ARCHITECT: Mislav Salitrežić, Sirrah Projekt d.o.o
PROJECT CREDITS
INTERIOR DESIGN : Senka Skenderović, Martina Salitrežić
LOCATION Osijek, Croatia
BUILD 2018-2023
CAPACITY 13,005
AREA 54.000 ㎡
UEFA 4 CATEGORY
ARCHITECT: Mislav Salitrežić, Sirrah Projekt d.o.o
PROJECT CREDITS
INTERIOR DESIGN : Senka Skenderović, Martina Salitrežić
LOCATION Osijek, Croatia
BUILD 2018-2023
CAPACITY 13,005
AREA 54.000 ㎡
UEFA 4 CATEGORY