Designed by architect Čedo Rendić and built in 1968, the Tourist Palace is located in the eastern part of Split's Riva waterfront. The palm tree-lined central promenade continues eastward, while the building itself adjoins its southern part. Humble in height, it had from the very start been designed to be a restrained building, with a roof terrace that elevates the observer above the level of the waterfront, allowing for a view of the south façade of Diocletian's palace. Left unmaintained and dilapidated for years, it became a tumour tissue at the very core of the city. In 2014, the City of Split made a decision on its comprehensive reconstruction.

Despite a powerful genius locus, the solution required for the structure was at least as complex as when it was first built. The damaged urban nucleus was reinterpreted by determining the scope limit and by spatial zoning. The zoning starts from the existing parking lot to the north, through the first row of palm trees – with penetrations creating a gathering spot for visitors around tourism posters – through the promenade – accentuated by a long line of benches, cast in white concrete – to the greenery that, with its meandering slashes, creates an enclosed area for cafés and restaurant terraces. The zoning ends in the very connecting zone of the façade and porch of the Tourist Palace. The rear passage to the corner building of the port captaincy transforms itself into a more intimate public space – a short, narrow street. Passing through the porch of the terrace, it pulls the passer-by in, while the position of the open staircase suggests the existence of a certain accent on the terrace.