The Capital City of Podgorica has launched an international public competition for the conceptual urban-architectural design of a residential and commercial complex under the “City Apartment” project. The project covers three urban plots totaling approximately 18,600 m², located in the Konik – Old Airport – Phase III urban plan area.
“City Apartment” is envisioned as a pilot initiative introducing a new approach to residential development in Podgorica, with an emphasis on social inclusion, quality of life, and urban environment enhancement.
The main objective of the competition is to select the best conceptual design that will enable the construction of high-quality, affordable housing for residents, particularly young people, families with children, the elderly, and other groups facing housing challenges.
According to official statements, more than a quarter of households in Podgorica live in insecure housing conditions, and apartment prices far exceed the average household’s financial capacity.
Design requirements:
- The project must provide a variety of apartment types, flexible and efficient use of space, energy efficiency, and sustainability, while creating a pleasant and functional environment for residents.
- Emphasis is placed on high-quality communal and green areas, as well as cost-efficient construction within the planned budget.
- The ground floors of the buildings will include commercial and business spaces covering roughly 30% of the total area, supporting activities such as retail, crafts, hospitality, and services, while avoiding noise- or pollution-intensive businesses.
Housing details:
- The complex will include 220 apartments of various sizes:
- 9 studios (min. 26 m²)
- 24 one-bedroom apartments (min. 46.5 m²)
- 31 one-and-a-half-bedroom apartments (min. 60.6 m²)
- 71 two-bedroom apartments (min. 69.8 m²)
- 40 two-and-a-half-bedroom apartments (min. 79.3 m²)
- 45 three-bedroom apartments (min. 89.4 m²)
- ±5% deviation in apartment numbers is permitted.
- Participants are encouraged to propose a typological mix catering to various life stages and social groups, including housing for seniors (50+), compact units for young households, family apartments for single parents, multi-generational units, and flexible layouts.
Urban and green space requirements:
- Free areas within the plots must be planned functionally, with at least 45% of the site dedicated to greenery.
- Remaining space should accommodate living plazas, pedestrian paths, traffic zones, access roads, parking, and technical corridors.
- Garage rooftops may count as green space if a substrate layer of 1 m is included.
- The project should promote active, accessible green areas serving ecological, aesthetic, and community functions.
Competition details:
- Deadline for submissions: November 24 at 12:00.
- Results announced by December 12.
- Prize fund: 1st place €46,600, 2nd €24,300, 3rd €12,200, with three additional purchases of €3,000 each.
The initiative aims to address Podgorica’s housing shortage through the construction of social and affordable housing, improve residents’ quality of life, and foster social cohesion while adhering to sustainable urban development principles.
