Dean of Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade Vladimir Lojanica, the author of the best solution for landscaping opposite Košutnjak in the Belgrade municipality Čukarica, stated that the intention is to construction in that part, it should be carefully planned and take place outside the proposed border of greenery protection.
"The intention is for the construction to be carefully planned and to take place first along the edges of roads and dominantly in areas that are already under buildings and outside the proposed boundary of green protection. It is imperative for us to protect vital vegetation based on the study and classification of trees, which was an integral part of the tender grounds at the location. The tender report already contains, and the Plan will additionally develop a comparative table of existing, removed and newly planned green infrastructure with a specification from which it can be seen that the intention is to completely restore and enrich the green fund", said Lojanica in an interview with the Beta agency.
When asked how it is possible that not a single vital tree will be cut down in that area and how to fit such a large number of buildings into an area dominated by forest, Lojanica said that the construction of low- and medium-rise buildings with green roofs and transparent ground floors is planned, so that the natural and landscape ambience remains dominant.
Guarantees built into the Spatial Plan
Speaking about the guarantees that citizens can expect that everything will be done in accordance with the agreed, bearing in mind the behavior of some investors in Belgrade, Lojanica said that those guarantees certainly cannot be declarative, but must be incorporated into the Spatial Plan.
"The planning document determines precise dimensions, protection of greenery, public spaces that cannot be subsequently privatized, urban frameworks that prevent later derogations. It is evident that this topic is already very present in the media. "As someone who has been professionally entrusted with the creation of this plan, I am aware of all the difficulties and I am in the mood for any dialogue that leads to finding the best professional solutions," he said.
What does an urban solution include?
Lojanica said that the award-winning urban planning solution for landscaping opposite Košutnjak covers the area from the Košutnjak Sports Center in the north, to the Church of St. Luke in the south, which is bordered by the streets of Blagoj Parović and Miloj Zakić and in which the Faculty of Physical Education is located. Radio and Television of Serbia, Avala film, Zastava film, military facilities, Cinematheque with depots and other facilities.
"Usual practices generally foresee the construction of closed block structures with maximum capacity. Our solution starts from the assumption that most of the construction will take place in areas where abandoned buildings and structures have been located for decades. The key feature of our solution is an open, urban module, multiplied and positioned within the boundaries of a network of public green corridors, squares and pedestrian routes. They will connect this space with the surrounding recreational facilities. Thus, it will become accessible to everyone. Until now, the Avala film complex was closed and inaccessible external users, even people who have lived in Čukarica for decades. The idea is to open up these resources for use by the citizens of Belgrade," he added.
Understandable public caution
Commenting on public indignation due to inadequate urban development of the city and criticism of the announced demolition of the General Staff or the Belgrade Fair, Lojanica said that he was not surprised and that he understood the public's increased caution, bearing in mind what was happening on that front.
"I do not shy away from an objective and well-argued critical reaction from the public. Moreover, I think it is necessary... Citizens' dissatisfaction arose as a result of growing institutional mistrust, neglecting or ignoring the opinion of the profession and inadequate interpretation of the concept of public interest. I sincerely hope that, as this work progresses, the public will be able to see that this is a responsible European client, who demands that this project be conducted publicly and transparently, with clear rules and with respect for the opinion of the profession. If it remains like this, there is no reason for the project to be threatened," he said.
The future of the Avala film complex
Lojanica said that the idea is that the Avala film complex, and certain other objects located there, should be preserved and repurposed into modern film, educational and cultural facilities, that is, the plan does not envisage exclusively the construction of a residential area.
"Housing is only one of the segments, and it is clearly limited. The focus is on mixed contents of wider social importance: culture, education, recreation, sports and public open spaces," he said.
He added that at this stage there are no final estimates of the value of the investment, as well as the total square footage that should be built, that is, the number of residents who would move there, because in the next 14 months planning documentation will be prepared and at least two more public hearings will be held.
"Transportation is one of the key issues to which we pay significant attention during planning. We want to develop a concept that entails reducing dependence on cars, a strong reliance on pedestrian and bicycle connections, as well as better integration with public transport. When it comes to the connection of this area with other parts of the city and surrounding settlements, expansion of the capacity of the peripheral infrastructure is foreseen, which is discussed with the competent city and republican institutions. This will contribute to the relaxation of existing traffic jams," added Lojanica.
Source: Beta
