The University of Montenegro has plans to construct a mixed-use residential building with a two-story underground garage and a green rooftop in Podgorica.
The project will be developed on two plots within the boundaries of the Urban Development Plan (UDP) for the University Center, covering an area of 1,876.09 m² and 8,933.42 m². The main state architect has already given consent for this project, and the design concept was developed by the University of Montenegro’s team.
On one of the plots, the construction of a residential block is planned, which will include a basement, ground floor, and several upper floors. On the other plot, a landscaped garden is to be created, with a two-story underground garage below it.
The area surrounding the residential building will feature a well-designed public space. On the northern side, there will be a pedestrian sidewalk with a tree-lined avenue (linear greenery) and bicycle parking. On the southern side of the building (UP29), a plaza will be created, complete with benches, water features, and a pergola. This plaza will transition into grassy islands that “float” in the urbanized public space, offering green zones amidst the paved surroundings. The project also addresses the organization of parking and traffic on the site, particularly in the southern (Studentska Street), western, and eastern parts of the block.
The underground garage will provide 337 parking spaces on the -2 level and 333 parking spaces on the -1 level, with an additional 34 spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. Extra parking spots will also be available along the internal road network and adjacent to the southern access road (Studentska Street), in line with the urban planning guidelines.
As for the residential building, the layout consists of two distinct configurations:
- Four floors, each featuring three one-bedroom, three three-bedroom, three one-and-a-half-bedroom, and three two-bedroom apartments.
- Four floors, each with four one-bedroom, two three-bedroom, two one-and-a-half-bedroom, and three two-bedroom apartments.
In total, the building will include 100 apartments with a variety of layouts, ranging from one-bedroom units to larger three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment will have a balcony, expanding the living area. The design of each unit separates public spaces (living room, dining room, kitchen) from private ones (bedroom). Special attention is given to the connection between the ground level (public basement) and the “crown” of the building (the rooftop terrace).
The basement will be divided into approximately six equal-use spaces, designed to accommodate various functions depending on the future needs of the residents. Each space will be equipped with a central technical area (bathrooms, storage) and a well-lit part communicating with Ljubljanska Street to the north or the internal plaza to the south. The northern sections of the basement will not have technical blocks.
The building’s entrance will be placed at the southern corners of the building, accessible from within the block’s internal plaza. These entrances are designed as windbreaks with additional lighting, guiding residents past seating areas (a symbol of welcome) and into the main lobby, which leads to vertical circulation (stairs and elevators). Bicycle and stroller storage will be located near the entrance, separated by a glass partition. The basement will also include two rooms for maintenance and cleaning equipment.
The landscape design surrounding the building has been carefully thought out, with a focus on the rooftop plaza, grassy islands, and underground garage. The entire public space is designed to be on a single level. To the north of the residential block, a tree-lined avenue and bicycle parking will create a pleasant pedestrian environment. The area south of the building will be transformed into a vibrant plaza, with meandering paths formed by green islands.
Between the newly constructed building and two existing structures, the area will be divided into two zones, connected by a linear path linking the plaza, grassy “wild islands,” and a pergola. The plaza will incorporate modern interpretations of traditional elements, such as a children’s play area with sculptural toys and a “water carpet,” which will add to the sense of an open-air “stage.” During the summer, benches surrounded by water will provide a cooling effect for residents of all ages (children, explorers, educators, students), engaging in spontaneous rituals to refresh themselves. The water features will be designed to remain almost invisible, and during the winter, the system will be switched off to prevent any slipping hazards.
This mixed-use residential development aims to integrate modern living with green public spaces, ensuring a high quality of life for the future residents while contributing to the sustainable urban development of Podgorica.
