Urban dam - Transparent oasis

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia

Project idea

The project ,,Urban dam - Transparent oasis” represents an architectural solution for a multifunctional building located in the urban area of Belgrade. The building is conceived as a complex structure inspired by the analysis of the context, with key aspects being the geometric characteristics of the site. It emerged as a response to the context, specifically the contiguous cubic forms that create a continuous flow along the boulevard. This transparent and light form, composed of numerous steel profiles, creates dynamism in terms of lighting while simultaneously adequately interacting with the context. The project idea fundamentally lies in the light form that abstractly connects two parts of the site, allowing for appropriate light passage and breaking the mass of surrounding buildings. In accordance with the concept, the building is constructed from numerous steel profiles, divided into a conceptual framework that creates a dynamic whole and the building's construction itself, which is limited by a curtain wall.

Project description

The project encompasses a complex with various functional zones distributed across several levels. The underground levels are designated for parking, with a garage extending over two levels and housing technical rooms such as cooling and heating stations. The ground floor is dedicated to commercial spaces, such as cafes and restaurants, while the upper floors combine residential areas, a business hotel, and an office center, programmatically extending the business area of the Belgrade Fair. Significant attention is given to the design of the public space, envisioned as a "park" with fluid forms, stairs following elevation changes, and amphitheaters for various needs. The design is based on creating a contrast to the above-ground part of the building, which is composed of regularly arranged orthogonal profiles. This allows for a dynamic approach and interaction with the space, providing users with various options for movement and stay. The construction is also innovative, with a particular focus on sustainability and the integration of natural elements, including green areas and bamboo. Glass walls, reflective films, and advanced solar panels contribute to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Technical information

Site Area: 13,700 m²
Gross Developed Building Area (GDBA): 65,858 m²
Residential Area: 19,975 m²
Commercial Area: 11,097 m²
Business Hotel: 24,969 m²
Area Below the Building: 5,735 m²
Building Coefficient: 4.8
Plot Occupancy Ratio: 41.86%
Green Areas: 6,980 m²
Percentage of Green Areas: 50.94%


Primary Structure: Consists of a steel skelet system with a grid of 6.8 x 6.8 meters, including steel columns (HE_300 profiles) and steel beams (HE_320 profiles). Foundations are designed as footings with trapezoidal cross-sections connected by foundation beams.
Secondary ( Concept) Structure: Made of steel tube like profiles Ø200 mm, connected to the primary structure with steel connectors and welding.
Intermediate Floors: Presented as pre-stressed T-R slabs with profiled T-R sheets and reinforced concrete, 165 mm in height.
Staircases: Made of steel construction, supported on steel "U" profiles, with sheet metal treads, intermediate landings, and landings.
Vertical Communications: Concrete core with a thickness of 25 cm for staircases and elevators, while elevator structures outside the core are made of steel "I" profiles with glass cladding.
Facades: The southern, eastern, and western facade use rectangular glass panels within a curtain wall, while the northern facade combines reinforced concrete with glass railings framed by steel tube like profiles.
Roof: Horizontal rectangular louvers that rotate for additional ventilation.
Materialization: Structural curtain wall (Reynaers curtain wall) with triple-glazed units for thermal insulation, covered with a reflective film. Partition walls are of the "Knauf" system, aluminum construction with gypsum board panels.

Created in: