Zaha Hadid Architects, working alongside Bureau Cube Partners, has won an international competition to design a groundbreaking mixed-use tower for Alta Bank in New Belgrade, Serbia. The innovative project will serve as the bank's new headquarters while incorporating residential units, rental office spaces, and retail establishments within a public plaza setting. This ambitious development represents a forward-thinking approach to modern urban architecture, reflecting evolving patterns of work and city life in the Serbian capital.
The collaboration between the two architectural firms builds upon their successful partnership from their winning proposal for the new Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade in 2025. The Alta Bank Tower project demonstrates their continued commitment to transforming Belgrade's urban landscape with cutting-edge architectural solutions that blend functionality with aesthetic innovation.
Strategically positioned in Block 32 of New Belgrade, the 35-story tower sits adjacent to the Merkator Shopping Center and within walking distance of Ušće Park, where the Sava and Danube rivers converge. This prime location places the development at the heart of the city's rapidly expanding business district, offering unprecedented access to both commercial and recreational amenities. The tower will benefit from direct connections to Belgrade's comprehensive public transportation network, including bus, tram, and BG Voz urban rail systems, with the planned Merkator metro station located directly next to the site.
The architectural design prioritizes public accessibility and community engagement through a pedestrianized plaza lined with shops and cafés. This civic hub is designed to serve not only residents and office workers but also students and academics from the nearby University Center, creating a vibrant mixed-use environment that encourages social interaction and economic activity throughout the day.
The tower's innovative design integrates public and private functions within a cohesive architectural framework. The podium levels feature carefully designed terraces and gardens that create inviting outdoor spaces while maximizing natural light penetration into the building's interior. The development emphasizes pedestrian-friendly circulation patterns and offers open, accessible public spaces that enhance the urban experience for all users.
According to the architectural proposal, the lower levels and podium will house Alta Bank's headquarters, providing modern banking facilities with direct customer access through two branch offices along Zoran Đinđić Boulevard. The upper floors of the tower are dedicated to residential units that take full advantage of spectacular views toward the Danube River valley and Belgrade's historic Old Town. Additional rental office floors occupy strategic positions within the podium, designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind to accommodate various business needs.
The tower's executive offices are positioned at the summit, featuring expansive outdoor terraces and panoramic views across the entire city. This placement not only provides prestigious workspace but also creates an iconic architectural silhouette that will become part of Belgrade's evolving skyline.
Responding to Belgrade's mild continental climate, the design incorporates sophisticated environmental strategies that enhance occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption. Natural ventilation systems are integrated throughout both the tower and podium structures, promoting air circulation and reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The façade features vertical louvers that effectively mitigate solar heat gain while creating a dynamic gradation between transparency and opacity, emphasizing the building's fluid architectural form.
The project demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and local economic development through its focus on regional sourcing and modular construction efficiencies. The architects plan to use materials and building systems procured within Serbia, optimizing both environmental performance and economic benefits for the local construction industry. This approach aligns with contemporary sustainable design principles while supporting the regional economy.
The Alta Bank Tower represents part of a broader trend in international architecture, where major firms are creating landmark mixed-use developments that redefine urban landscapes. This project joins other recent announcements in the global architecture community, including OUALALOU+CHOI's winning design for the new Casa Sud Train Station in Casablanca, Morocco, and Foster + Partners' collaboration with MANICA on the stadium that will replace Milan's historic San Siro.
The completion of the Alta Bank Tower will mark a significant milestone in New Belgrade's urban development, creating a new architectural landmark that balances commercial functionality with residential comfort and public accessibility. The project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can serve multiple community needs while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of a growing metropolitan area.
