This urban design studio is taking the Serbian city of Belgrade as an example for the phenomena of polarization and the need to provide common ground. In recent decades following the post-socialist transformation from a state-planned to a market-driven city, Belgrade has experienced a significant shift towards large-scale speculative projects and the creation of non-inclusive public spaces within the framework of “turbo-capitalism.” However, there are also citizen-led projects and Right-to-the-City movements such as “Ne davimo Beograd” (Don’t Let Belgrade Drown) and “Ministry of Space” that advocate for affordable and inclusive developments that promote the common good and support local identity.
Focusing on the remaining non-gentrified section of the riverfront north of Belgrade’s Dorćol district—a vibrant inner-city area known for its cultural amenities and authentic housing—the design projects seek to address several key questions. How can future redevelopment of this riverfront deliver sustainable housing and climate-resilient public spaces while preserving the site’s identity and industrial heritage? What strategies can ensure that design concepts remain robust and adaptable, standing the test of time and responding flexibly to unforeseen future needs? In what ways can urban elements act as a “common ground,” fostering both tangible social infrastructure and the intangible cohesion of the community? What roles do urban redevelopment, housing construction, and public space play in shaping this context? Finally, how can participatory, transdisciplinary approaches to decision-making support an equitable and sustainable transformation?
To gain a deeper understanding of the planning context, we will organize a one-week on-site workshop (26.10.2026 – 01.11.2026). Throughout the workshop, we will carry out site analyses and qualitative research to identify development needs, explore project experiences, and engage with initiatives centered on the concept of “common ground.” Collaboration with students and local experts from the University of Belgrade will further broaden our perspectives and foster meaningful mutual exchange.
The design studio can be combined with a seminar titled “Urban Commons: Exploring Strategies for Equitable and Sustainable Transformation”. The objective of this seminar is to provide support for the design work through in-depth theoretical exploration of urban commons as both a concept and a practice to mitigate growing social and economic inequalities and increasing privatization.
