Socialist Modernism in Belgrade

Part Two: Blocks of New Belgrade

Below I will introduce some of the most notable blocks of New Belgrade.

15. Block 2

Branko Petričić, 1959-1963

Block 2 was among the earlier blocks to be completed. It served as a training ground for experiments with construction technologies and architectural designs.

Building on Pariske komune 2, Block 2

16. Block 9A

The tower-looking building at the corner of Bulevar Nikole Tesle and Goce Delčeva is the most visible structure of the Block 9A when approached from the direction of Hotel Jugoslavija.

Building at the junction of Bulevar Nikole Tesle & Goce Delčeva, Block 9A

17. Block 11B

A building of Blok 11B across the street from Hotel Jugoslavija is covered by interesting pyramidal panels and some artworks.

Building on Bulevar Nikole Tesle 44, Block 11B

18. Block 11C

The most prominent structure on the western side of the Block 11C is the Shopping Center ‘Novi Beograd’ (now known as the ‘Old Mercator’). Most of its façade is made of glass, while the entrance stairs are a good example of Brutalism. I haven’t been able to find any information about this building, but I have seen a photo of its interior, where the criss-crossing stairs look a bit like those in the central bus station of Tel Aviv.

Shopping Center ‘Novi Beograd’ on Palmira Toljatija 5, Block 11C

19. Block 23

Aleksandar Stjepanović, Božidar Janković & Branislav Karadžić, 1968-1974

Block 23 is one of the most monumental in New Belgrade. Its most outstanding features include two structures spanning more than a half of the long side of the block and three high residential towers in its south corner.

Building along Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića, Block 23

Building along Bulevar Milutina Milankovića, Block 23

Buildings at the corner of Bulevar Milutina Milankovića & Milentija Popovića, Block 23

20. Block 28

Ilija Arnautović, 1970-1974

Block 28 is one of the better known blocks, thanks to the concrete frames reminiscent of TV screens surrounding the windows of one of its buildings (commonly known as the Televizorka). Like many other blocks, it was made up exclusively of prefabricated concrete elements.

Building along Bulevar Milutina Milankovića, Block 28

Another remarkable structure in Block 28 is the Slavuj Kindergarten (by Stanko Kristl).

21. Block 29

Mihailo Čanak & Milosav Misa Mitić, 1968-1972

The red bricks of the balconies and the roof parapets offer some polychromy among the dominating grey of the exposed concrete.

One of the buildings of Block 29 along Bulevar Zorana Đinđića

22. Block 30

Uroš Martinović, 1967-1979

Block 30 consists of two ultra-long residential buildings stretched along the main boulevards and a number of smaller structures. It was conceived as a high-standard housing estate, but was eventually executed as a social housing project. The concrete used for the construction of the block was produced on the spot. The light-coloured façades are relatively well preserved.

Building along Bulevar Zorana Đinđića, Block 30

Building on Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 141, Block 30

23. Blocks 61-64

Darko Marušić, Milenija Marušić & Milan Miodragović, 1969-1980s

These blocks stand on the site of the old village of Bežanija, which is why they are called the Bežanija Blocks. Many apartments here were owned by the Yugoslav People’s Army, which is why these blocks are also colloquially known as the Officers’ Blocks.

These blocks are, all together, the most imposing among the blokovi of New Belgrade. The buildings are made up of units of different heights, raising from 4 to 20 floors, which gives them a more dramatic look than the other residential blocks in the city. All the constructive elements were prefabricated. The panels used for the façades were as high as the entire height of the floor and contained openings for the windows.

Buildings of Block 62 as seen from Evropska