Park of Arts and Culture, Podgorica

The group led by the Milan/ London-based practice a-fact and composed of LAND, Maffeis Engineering, and Charcoalblue has won the International Competition for “conceptual architectural design of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Natural History Museum and Park of Arts & Culture with associated cultural facilities” in Podgorica (Montenegro). The project was selected among 48 submissions from worldwide renowned practices.

The composition of the three distinct yet related entities emerging gracefully from the riverbank landscape and creating a strong landmark for the city—a civic destination for both residents and visitors. The proposal is inspired by the remarkable nature of Montenegro; the stone cladding pays homage to the encircling mountains while establishing a new iconic architectural language that enhances the park and river scenery”. 
Jury Statement

The project seeks to integrate the former barracks’ site with the existing river park on both Morača River’s banks. The primary objective is to mend the longstanding disconnect between the city and its river within the competition area, which has been inactive and inaccessible to the broader community for an extended period. The design focuses on merging the project site with the existing Njegošev Park, situated south of the Millennium Bridge, and Podgorica Park on the river’s right bank. This integration aims to ecologically and physically connect these green spaces, reinforcing the green and blue corridor that runs along the river and envelops the modern city.

The landscape design, with its blue-green infrastructure, starts with an analysis of the site to incorporate existing values and improve the park’s biodiversity with the retention of 290 trees, the addition of 532 new trees of different species and 900 shrubs. In addition, the museum park’s connections to the city are emphasised with a focus on the riverfront and improved usability for citizens.