Iva Jovsic

Greening City

The proposed site would start and end with a historical building - in between the two main points which both are access points for the site, would be an interactive path. The main idea is to reuse the existing heritage buildings and create interactive spaces such as exterior gallery spaces, waterfront steps, playground areas, elevated areas, etc. in order to bring back the community, especially families since in the last 50 years due to unbearable temperatures families with children are leaving this part of the city. The two access points which are the Spanish House on the south end, and on the North end the old Pier Customs Building on, separate the two worlds. In between the busy downtown center, the interactive green oasis is created, incorporating traditional playground elements and landscape furniture, into interactive paths both elevated and grounded. Telling the story of Belgrade’s topography each section of the landscape represents a unique part of Belgrade and it is tied into different areas.Section 1 - Exhibition Space - The levels created which are used for seating, exterior exhibitions, and just relaxation are abstractly representing the Belgrade Fortress which originally is where Belgrade started expanding. The levels are easily accessible and could be used for multiple purposes. Section 2 - Forests and valleys - Belgrade is sitting on 2 rivers, which are merging in close proximity to the site itself, and it is known to be a city sitting on the hills. Rich with many forests within the city, this area is a representation of Belgrade's topography. Culturally the outdoor spaces such as forests are used for all major holidays for people to gather with their families and friends and make barbecues. Forest would be abstractly represented through a dense plantation of trees, where there would be round benches where families could sit together and gather, as a canopy for the benches the trees would be used. Valleys are represented as a playscape green area which is really amusing for children and could be used as seating as well. Section 3 - Play Zone - Inspired by the Bentway the play zone is located under the elevated path, it is a combination of bridge construction and traditional playground elements, by using the columns which support the elevated path as construction for swings, and climbing walls, etc. Also, there are large soft structures that are obstacle towers and could be used by young as well as older children, or as exterior seating. Section 4 - Library Zone - Being located in the middle of the site, the library/reading space is created as a highly modern pavilion structure with an open square that has wall reading spaces. Also, it is a mark of the beginning of the end of the elevated path, the library pavilion structure is used as a natural ending point of the elevated path. Section 5 - The Square - The end of the path is the historical Pier Customs Building which is placed on a traditional European square. The addition of greenery and canopy structures allows the square to be more usable and creates shade and allows the pedestrians to enjoy this part of the site.

“My project is aiming to regulate the "heat island effect" by morphing urban forests/parks and paved downtown city center, as a response to temperature rise due to climate change, and by doing that allowing the space to regulate itself and adapt. ”