The Regenerator cultural centre in Zabok has been named the outstanding achievement in Croatian architecture for 2025. The 'Viktor Kovačić' award was presented to the project team, MVA / Mikelić Vreš Architects, on 4 July at the opening of the Annual Exhibition of Croatian Architects in Zagreb’s Maksimir Park.
The Regenerator was selected from four nominated projects. The competition also included a nursery in Bibinje, the NTH office building in Varaždin, and the Račice sports hall in Vodice.
The jury highlighted that the project’s greatest strength was its ability to 'generate a new town centre'. The complex, built in what was previously an industrial zone in Zabok, consists of three buildings arranged around a central square that serves as a public gathering place. A concert hall, spaces for musicians, an art cinema, association premises, a hostel, and workspaces are located within.
The investor for the Regenerator, located on Mladih 2 Street, is the City of Zabok. The design team consisted of Marin Mikelić, Tomislav Vreš, Sara Pavlov, and Alma Sekondo. Mikelić and Vreš founded their practice in 2007, and their previous accolades include the 'Vladimir Nazor' award, the Brick Award, and the Grand Prize at the Balkan Architecture Biennale.
Other annual industry awards were also presented at the ceremony. The 'Viktor Kvačić' lifetime achievement award was received by architect Katja Maras, the 'Drago Galić' award for residential architecture was awarded to Mirko Buvinić and Vesna Milutin for their Kadmo house in Zagreb, and the 'Bernardo Bernardi' award was given to the team that restored the courtyard of the Papalić Palace in Split. Dubravka Kisić received the 'Neven Šegvić' award for journalistic work. The annual exhibition at Maksimir is open until 11 July.
