Belgrade, 7 February 2023 – The winning concept design of the international architectural competition “Student city – Belgrade” (“Studentski grad – Beograd”) was presented today at the exhibition in the “Palace of Serbia”.

Having in mind the need to increase the accommodation capacity of student housing within university centres, the Ministry of Education, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a competition for the arrangement of the complex, construction of new and reconstruction of the existing facilities in the "Studentski grad" complex in Novi Beograd. The competition was conducted by the Association of Architects of Serbia.

Out of 21 applications received, the jury, chaired by architect Dr. Grozdana Šišović, unanimously decided to award first prize (in the amount of USD 28,000) to the “Nous Architecture” Studio from Turkey. In addition to the first prize, from the total prize fund of the contest of USD 56,000, two designs were awarded with amounts of USD 7,000 each, and five with USD 2,800 each.

Based on the chosen winning solution, the next step is to develop urban project and technical design, after which the Ministry will announce a tender for the execution of construction works.

The Minister of Education, Branko Ružić, said that the work on the new building in the Student City is part of the “Student Housing” Project, which will also include the completion of the student housing in Niš.

“The goal of the Ministry is to provide additional capacities, create good and economically acceptable conditions for student accommodation and thus give additional incentive to young people in Serbia to achieve their ambitions, since providing accommodation is still one of the most important issues for both students who study outside their hometowns and their parents. By building this student housing in the Student City, we will be able to accommodate additional 1,000 additional students in Belgrade, which is our largest university centre,” said minister Ružić, adding that the works should begin after the preparation of the development of the urban project, as well as other project and technical designs, in the second half of 2024.

According to the minister, the estimated value of the works and equipment is around 26.5 million euros. The funds are provided from the budget of the Republic of Serbia and from a loan of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), which has been supporting the improvement of school and student standards in Serbia for years.

On this occasion, Country Manager for Serbia, Mrs. Nadejda Grochkova Leruste, said:

“We, at the CEB, are extremely proud to partner with the Ministry of Education of Serbia to help finance a flagship project that will make education accessible to economically vulnerable students through more affordable and upgraded accommodations.”

The particular goal of this competition was to promote the principles of circular economy and sustainable green construction, with low energy consumption, and their application in the construction of facilities.

“By increasing the number of highly educated young people, we contribute to the knowledge-based economy, which has a positive impact on the economy and society, as well as on the future development of the country,” said Yakup Beris, UNDP Serbia Resident Representative.