“The close integration of various goals is a unique and very promising approach” – Holcim Awards Jury

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    Project entry 2008 Europe - "Culturally-responsive urban village, Belgrade, Serbia": Ambiance of new mahala.

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    Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize 2008 Europe: Vladimir Macura, Milorad Djuric, Zivojin Mitrovic

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    Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize 2008 Europe: Vladimir Macura, Milorad Djuric, Zivojin Mitrovic

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    Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize 2008 Europe: Vladimir Macura, Milorad Djuric, Zivojin Mitrovic

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    Holcim Awards Acknowledgement prize 2008 Europe: Vladimir Macura, Milorad Djuric, Zivojin Mitrovic

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    Holcim Awards 2008 Europe Acknowledgement: Culturally-responsive urban village, Belgrade, Serbia prize hand over: Vladimir Macura, Milorad Djuric, Zivojin Mitrovic. And (r-l) Edward Weysen and Lore De Baere.

The new mahala (neighborhood) for Romani people in Belgrade is an outstanding demonstration of how private initiatives can lead to a substantial improvement in the living conditions for chronically-poor inhabitants of urban informal settlements. Contrary to other slum upgrading projects, the new mahala for Romani people will not be placed in the existing slums, but at a new location on land owned by the city of Belgrade which is already well-equipped with public utilities and in the neighborhood of schools, hospitals and shops. The close integration of various goals such as education, employment, health care, housing, anti-discrimination, poverty reduction and gender issues is a unique and very promising approach. 

Last updated: June 26, 2008 Zurich, Switzerland

All stakeholders, particularly the permanent and the temporary inhabitants of the informal settlement as well as government authorities, were involved in the goal setting, planning and realization process. The new housing units are designed and built in harmony with the Romani culture. The schemes are simple but appropriate with a high degree of standardization reflecting the traditions and habits of Romani families. Due to the intensive involvement of the future users, the later relocation of the people is addressed proactively. Overall, it is a convincing example of a fruitful collaboration between individuals, families and government authorities.