Otvorena Arhitektura is a Croatian architectural cooperative focused on designing and researching sustainable architecture and urbanism. Its work covers economically viable, environmentally responsible and socially oriented approaches to architecture, construction and spatial development.37
The cooperative was founded in early 2016 by a group of architects, together with six additional architects.2 Its stated purpose is to enable people working in architecture to organise and cooperate according to solidarity-based principles.6 The organisation’s registered address is Nova cesta 171/A, Zagreb, Croatia, and Ivan Vadanjel is listed as the cooperative’s manager.10 Architect Antun Sevšek is also identified in public professional profiles as having worked with the cooperative since March 2016.11
A central area of activity is cooperative housing. Otvorena Arhitektura researches and promotes housing-cooperative models intended to provide accessible, affordable and sustainable housing, including through cooperation with local governments.4 Its work includes the development of a pilot cooperative-housing initiative in Croatia and workshops in Križevci, carried out with the Cooperative for Ethical Financing and the City of Križevci.312 The cooperative has also prepared a study concerning a potential housing-cooperative programme in Zagreb, addressing spatial planning and the management of urban land.89
In addition to housing, the organisation works on urban regeneration, the use of existing spatial resources in the public interest, and the democratisation of decision-making concerning space and construction.3 It shares knowledge and experience through public activities and collaborative projects.3 Its partnerships include the Croatian Cooperative for Ethical Financing and MOBA Housing, a European cooperative network involving organisations from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Serbia.3 Its primary geographic scope is nationa...