Good architecture is created where competitions are held. On December 11 of this year, in one of them, success was celebrated by Polish architect Aleksandra Kozlowska, who was awarded second place in an international competition for the reconstruction of a modernist department store building in the heart of Podgorica. Congratulations!
Fifty-two design teams from all over the world - not only Montenegro, but also Italy, France, Romania, Turkey, China, Argentina or the United States - competed. First place went to the work entitled. "Spiral of Encounters" created in Argentina, third place went to the concept "NA-MA 2.0" developed by a team from Turkey, while second place went to Polish architect Aleksandra Kozłowska for her project "NA-MA Creative Hub." In addition, the Jury awarded three equal honorable mentions.
NA-MA Creative Hub - a project for the redevelopment of a department store in Podgorica
Visualizations provided courtesy of Aleksandra Kozlowska
what to do with socmodern heritage?
The goal of the competition announced by the City of Podgorica was to present a concept for the redevelopment of the NA-MA Department Store. One of the first post-war buildings in Podgorica, then Titograd, it was built in 1949 on Republic Square, the main square of the Montenegrin capital, at the intersection of Slobode and Njegoševa Streets. The five-story socmodernist edifice with facades cut by rows of ribbon windows became one of Podgorica's more distinctive and recognizable buildings by its residents. Over the years, its owners changed, as did the names by which the city's residents referred to the building - in the 1950s it was known as "NA-MA," since the 1970s it has been called "Beograđanka," and in recent years it has been referred to as "Podgoričanka." As a result of a complicated ownership situation, the building has been out of use for the past few years, leading to its significant degradation. The city, which acquired the rights to manage "NA-MA" by a court ruling, decided to launch a competition to prevent further deterioration of the building and restore the space to the community.
NA-MA Creative Hub - a project for the redevelopment of a department store in Podgorica
visuals provided courtesy of Aleksandra Kozlowska
The main goal of the competition was to preserve the architectural fabric and cultural significance of the building, which has become a permanent part of the city's landscape. The design teams were to achieve this by, among other things, transforming the former department store into a multifunctional space for work and events, supporting the development of innovation, social integration, and ultimately contributing to the revitalization of the central part of the city. Environmental aspects and consideration of the needs of different generations were also important to the Jury. Who is she and how did Aleksandra Kozlowska, the winner of second place in the competition, cope with these tasks?
Aleksandra Kozlowska
Photo: Bartek Barczyk
Who is Aleksandra Kozlowska?
Aleksandra Kozłowska - an architect for whom inclusivity in design is the foundation of every creative activity. Her projects emphasize the importance of creating spaces that are friendly to people of different ages and physical and mental abilities, focusing on comfort, fostering social relationships and rebuilding a sense of security in times that are difficult for all of us.
For years he has been exploring the educational and supportive role of architecture, believing that it should offer much more than form - it is meant to be a tool for building intangible values and an enclave of peace in a world dominated by consumerism. His work is inspired by the idea of "Third Paradise" - the search for a balance between nature and technology and the reconstruction of moral values in the face of global climate challenges.
By experimenting with traditional construction techniques, such as mud structures and using rubble as a building material, Alexandra seeks to redefine the concept of "resilient architecture." She tries to seek answers to the needs of communities living in zones with harsh climates and in regions affected by armed conflict, such as the Gaza Strip.
The author of numerous award-winning works, including an honorable mention in the Young Architects Competition - Ethical Architecture in 2023, as well as the design for the redevelopment of NA-MA, a creative space in Montenegro, she constantly seeks beauty that transcends patterns. After winning a scholarship to the Young Architects Academy in Bologna, she continues to research the role of revitalization and responsible design - combining tradition with modernity and putting people, social relations and nature first.
NA-MA Creative Hub - a redevelopment project for a department store in Podgorica.
© visuals provided courtesy of Aleksandra Kozlowska
a facade that lives
The concept presented by the architect is to use the internal structure of the building while at the same time making a far-reaching metamorphosis of its facade. NA-MA Creative Hub's glass facades are obscured by red mesh panels. Between them and the glazing there was a vertical public space in the form of several-story terraces wrapping around the facade, connected by ramps spanning between the levels. Some sections of the metal "cage" surrounding the building can be tilted to create windows that look out over the city. The extension of Podgorica's main city square takes place not only vertically - the first floor of the building designed by Aleksandra Kozlowska is open to the public, with an amphitheater at its center, increasing the potential for fostering social integration presented by NA-MA Creative Hub.
NA-MA Creative Hub - a project for the redevelopment of a department store in Podgorica
visuals provided courtesy of Aleksandra Kozlowska
the fastest will be the slide
Spaces serving residents, tourists, start-ups and other organizations associated with NA-MA Creative Hub have been laid out on the remaining floors. The layout of the rooms is flexible and can be adapted to current needs thanks to movable glass partitions. The space of the various floors visually interpenetrates thanks to rectangular fields punched into the ceilings. The roof, which is accessible to users, features greenery and small architecture, photovoltaic installations and a set of large skylights, providing natural lighting in the interiors. Vertical communication is carried out using stairs, elevators and a... a slide spanning between the ground and top floors.
NA-MA Creative Hub - a redevelopment project for a department store in Podgorica
visuals provided courtesy of Aleksandra Kozlowska
An important part of the project is the so-called "Podgorica House," a modular structure made of steel. Thanks to the appropriate structure, it can be shaped as desired, and its relatively light weight and ease of assembly allow it to be placed at any point in the city, realizing the principles of urban acupuncture.
NA-MA Creative Hub - a project for the redevelopment of a department store in Podgorica
visuals provided courtesy of Aleksandra Kozlowska
symbol of Podgorica
The jury, chaired by Aleksandar Vujović, justified the awarding of second place to the project by Aleksandra Kozlovska this way:
The jury recognized the NA-MA Creative Hub project for its ambitious transformation of the NA-MA building into a dynamic and sustainable symbol of the community. The project's centerpiece, a striking and interactive facade, serves as both a visual manifesto and a functional component of the building's new identity. The facade acts as an artistic intervention, making the building a beacon of creativity and engagement in the heart of Podgorica. It not only redefines the structure, but also vertically enlarges the adjacent square, inviting residents to interact, explore and move through the space in all directions. The bold reinterpretation of the facade, equipped with ramps, balconies and climbing greenery, embodies the spirit of urban identity and sustainable design, even if not all the solutions turned out to be completely accurate.
The jury also appreciates the thoughtful approach to interior spaces, which were designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Flexible floor plans, adaptable spaces and movable glass walls allow the building's interiors to respond dynamically to a variety of community events and activities. The inclusion of an amphitheater on the first floor, seamlessly extending the space of the adjacent plaza, further underscores the project's commitment to accessibility and community integration.
Sustainability is a central theme of the NA-MA Creative Hub, which uses recycled materials, energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources to reduce the building's environmental impact. The reuse of concrete construction and a focus on high-quality insulation and access to natural light optimize energy consumption, demonstrating a conscious approach to environmental challenges.
[author's transl.]
NA-MA Creative Hub - a department store redevelopment project in Podgorica
Visualizations provided courtesy of Aleksandra Kozlowska
All information about the competition, including other entries, is available on the organizers' website.
We congratulate the author and wish her further success!
