On December 13th, 2024, Zagreb hosted an inspiring Climathon event, organized in partnership between REGEA, partner of ARCADIA, and the Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER). The event gathered 67 participants from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal: to co-create sustainable and climate-resilient concepts for sports fields in Novi Zagreb. This hackathon was a vibrant example of how cross-sectoral collaboration can drive innovative solutions to urban climate challenges.
Organizers and guests
The event was spearheaded by the North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency (REGEA) and ZICER, with strong support from the City of Zagreb. Key guests and mentors included:
- Nikola Petković (City of Zagreb)
- Marijo Spajić (City of Zagreb)
- Matijana Jergović (Public Health Institute Andrija Štampar)
- Miljenko Sedlar (REGEA)
- Tijana Šimek (REGEA)
Their expertise guided the participants through the design process, ensuring that the solutions were both visionary and practical.
The challenge
Participants were tasked with developing integrated concepts for sports fields that respond to the pressing challenges of climate change. The focus was on:
- Sustainable drainage systems
- Reducing the urban heat island effect
- Implementing green infrastructure and nature-based solutions (NbS)
- Enhancing biodiversity and citizen engagement
The teams
Seven dynamic teams, each comprising stakeholders from local authorities, academia, SMEs, NGOs, and the general public, tackled the challenge:
- Team ½
- Team Vita Architecture
- Team 4
- Team Environmental Sustainability
- Team Landscape Architecture
- Team Save the Snowman
- Team Threesixty (the winning team)
Each team brought unique perspectives and creativity, resulting in a rich array of proposals.
The winning solution: team threesixty
Team Threesixty, composed of students from the Faculty of Agriculture, delivered the most comprehensive and detailed solution, earning them the top prize.
Key elements of the solution
- Integrated green infrastructure: connecting the neighborhoods of Dugave, Travno, and Sopot with a network of green spaces.
- Nature-based drainage: use of semi-permeable materials for sports fields, bioswales, rain gardens, and bioretention systems to manage stormwater efficiently.
- Biodiversity enhancement: introduction of Mediterranean and evergreen species to adapt to new climate conditions and support pollinators.
- Green roofs and walls: expanding green infrastructure vertically to maximize benefits in limited urban space.
- Citizen engagement: involving residents in decision-making, construction, and ongoing activities through surveys, workshops, and community events.
Impact
This integrated approach not only addresses stormwater management and heat reduction but also fosters community ownership and biodiversity. The solution is scalable and adaptable, serving as a model for other urban areas facing similar challenges.
Event highlights and awards
Participants showcased their solutions through presentations, drawings, and models. All teams received promotional materials, while the winners were awarded plants and materials from the Zagreb Tourist Board, an opportunity to exhibit their work at the Floraart International Garden Exhibition (May 2026), and internships with Zrinjevac or the City of Zagreb administration.
Conclusion
Climathon 2024 in Zagreb was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of co-creation between local authorities, experts, and citizens. The event not only generated actionable solutions for greener sports fields but also strengthened collaboration and innovation within the community. The winning proposal by Team Threesixty stands as a beacon of sustainable urban development, ready to inspire further climate action across Europe.