Green Line – IMT complex
2024.
Urbanizam, Arhitektura
CGIs: ZAP d.o.o. Belgrade
The General Urban Plan of Belgrade and the General Regulation Plan have identified the former IMT factory area as the sole remaining space for significant organizational construction in New Belgrade. This area is considered an exceptional resource for the city of Belgrade in terms of its spatial, functional, and investment potential.
Through a comprehensive assessment of the space, its development possibilities, and the surrounding residential environment, a solution has been devised to connect the existing ambient character of residential construction in the western part with the ongoing transformation of commercial complexes into commercial and residential facilities in the eastern part. This solution aims to improve the local environment and enhance the overall silhouette of New Belgrade, while also considering ecological and aesthetic factors.
Typology:
Residential and business complex
Client:
ABL Solvent d.o.o.
Gross area:
1.277.000 m2
Year:
2024.
Location:
IMT Complex,
New Belgrade, Serbia
Authors:
ZAP d.o.o. Beograd
Status:
Work in progress
Traffic network
The specified area commences from Jurija Gagarina Street in the southern section and Egipatska Street in the northern section. Following the strategic traffic solutions outlined by the General Regulation Plan of Belgrade, these areas are functionally classified as part of the primary street network, categorized as main roads.
Based on the acquired responsibilities, orientation capabilities, and anticipated traffic volumes, a traffic matrix has been established, resulting in the formation of 4 blocks. This traffic matrix includes two new roads (Nova 1 and Nova 2) linking Jurija Gagarina Street and Egipatska Street, both falling under the primary street network classification. Additionally, three lateral traffic connections (between Nova 2 and Nova 1 streets) have been designated, with varying regulatory widths based on projected traffic intensity and environmental factors.
Considering that parking requirements for residential and commercial purposes will be addressed on construction sites in compliance with the regulations stipulated by the general plan, public/school parking facilities are included in the public road regulations to ensure optimal additional parking for visitors and temporary stops.
Regulation of blocks
The proposed traffic solution has resulted in the creation of four blocks. Blocks 1 and 2 have been identified as ideal locations for public facilities and open park areas, particularly due to the presence of high-quality green spaces that should be fully integrated into the future development of these blocks.
Additionally, the considerable width of approximately 310 meters for each block allows for the establishment of pedestrian pathways in the form of parks and green areas that run through the center of the blocks, spanning the entire length of the complex from Egiptska Street to Jurija Gagarin Street. This design approach not only generates dynamic internal spaces but also contributes to the distinctive character of the New Belgrade open block.
Urban design
The residential structure of block 64 will not be duplicated, nor will the organic form of the existing blocks on the eastern side of the complex be replicated. Instead, a solution involving a well-organized superstructure with a prominent organic greenery and ground floor layout has been proposed. The focal point of the area is the 800m-long green corridor, stretching from Egipatska Street to Jurija Gagarina Street, with a width ranging from 20 to 50m. This corridor leads to a zone of tall commercial buildings (112 to 160m) that will enhance the skyline of New Belgrade.
The concept includes two rows of residential buildings weaving through blocks 1 and 2, seamlessly blending with the existing residential environment. The orientation of these buildings is either northwest-southeast or southwest-northeast.
Additionally, the master plan “Green Line” envisions the construction of four business towers in blocks 3 and 4, with three in block 3 and one in block 4. The residential buildings in blocks 1 and 2 are interconnected with the towers through a unique organic layout and greenery. The 800m-long green corridor features pedestrian pathways, parks for children, sports fields, fountains, and urban furniture, making it a distinctive landmark of the location and the city.
Blocks 1 and 2 are designed without vehicular traffic, except for emergency vehicles, focusing on pedestrian movement, green spaces, sports facilities, and community gathering areas.
In the vicinity of Jurija Gagarina Street, tall business buildings serve as spatial landmarks of the complex, with the tallest building (approximately 160m) positioned along the green corridor axis. Parking is accommodated within the construction plots through underground garage floors.
Area usage
The primary land use in the area is residential, with a focus on blocks 1 and 2. In contrast, blocks 3 and 4 (in the vicinity of Jurija Gagarina Street) are designated for exclusively high-intensity commercial activities with various sub-purposes. Urban design principles dictate that additional specialized facilities, such as healthcare centers, art galleries, spaces for cultural events, tertiary services, etc., should be integrated into the planned infrastructure. These facilities can be located on the ground floors of residential buildings or as part of commercial structures, either as private spaces or within the public service system.
The ground floors of residential buildings are earmarked for the construction of an elementary school, a preschool institution, and three preschool annexes. Childcare facilities within residential buildings will be situated on the ground level, facing the green corridor. Since the urban plan restricts vehicular traffic in residential areas (except for emergencies and firefighting), this approach to accommodating children in smaller groups is deemed optimal.
Green spaces are predominantly positioned along the perimeter to shield the entire complex from external influences. This buffer zone should be dense and wide, featuring a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs to create a favorable microclimate, mitigate noise, and filter out dust and exhaust fumes from nearby roads.
Green areas
The urban-architectural solution focuses on the well-designed arrangement of green areas, which serve as the foundation of the project. These green spaces are divided into zones:
Zone 1 – The “Green Line” runs through the central part of the residential blocks, from Zemunska Street to the business complex with tall buildings. The central part of this zone is designated as an urban park with high groups of greenery integrated into park, sports, and walking areas.
Zone 2 – Surrounding the large business centers between Jurija Gagarin Street and the residential part of the complex, this greenery is connected to the northern part through pedestrian pathways, ensuring a continuous flow and extending the green line throughout the complex. This urban green space includes areas for outdoor events (concerts, exhibitions, ice rinks, etc.) and features high greenery towards peripheral roads.
Recognizing the significance of green areas in the overall project, the entire development has been named “Green Line” to signify the transformation of the space. The shift away from heavy industry, which has dominated the area for over 70 years, is evident in the abandoned factory halls near residential blocks. To revitalize the area, a comprehensive brownfield investment plan has been devised, emphasizing carefully designed green spaces.
Tower block 3
The three towers located in block 3 of the “Green Line” master plan stand at heights ranging from 112 to 120 meters. The number of floors within each tower decreases from east to west, creating a distinct architectural composition. Connecting the towers at the ground and first floors is a pedestal featuring playful forms that reach up to 16 meters in height. Despite the reduced and regular rectangular shape of the towers, their design incorporates materialization that introduces specific faults flowing from one tower to another, uniting them into a cohesive whole. These faults are characterized by indented sections of the facade with varying materialization, which are recessed to form terraces on certain parts of the buildings. The interplay of light and shadow during the day, along with carefully planned lighting at night, will further enhance the visual appeal of these architectural structures.
Tower block 4
The business tower situated in block 4 of the “Green Line” master plan stands at a height of 160m and is strategically positioned to enhance the skyline of Belgrade. Serving as a prominent landmark, this tower, with its height and unique architectural style, is set to become a symbol of New Belgrade. Similar to the towers in block 3, this particular tower is elevated on an engaging 16m high pedestal. Structurally, the tower emerges from a rectangular base that gradually curves at the corners facing Jurija Gagarina Street. A vertical fault runs along one of the rounded corners, enveloping the entire building and adding a distinctive touch to its design. The building’s recessed section and the envelope are distinguished by varying materials and lighting, accentuating the innovative architectural concept of the facade.
