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Revitalisation of Sports and Recreation Centre "Pioneer City" in Belgrade

DBA Ltd.

Mixed Use  /  Future
DBA Ltd.

“Pioneer city” is a sport, recreational, and educational complex for children. Established in 1947, it was bult with the efforts of youth work brigades and served as a gathering place for pioneers across Yugoslavia. However, following the dissolution of the socio-political system and due to inadequate investments and neglect, the complex gradually deteriorated. Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of “Pioneer City”, the City of Belgrade has initiated a comprehensive revitalization plan. The proposed project involves a series of interventions that will restore the complex while introducing new, sustainable elements. This holistic approach will preserve the cultural and historical importance of the site while adding modern amenities for the next generation.

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Central building (education hub)

“Pioneer city” is located in Košutnjak park-forest and it is under protection of the Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia. Also, the location is within the scope of the ecological network – the ecologically significant area “Košutnjak”. Therefore, it was of vital importance to reduce the impact on natural surroundings due to construction of new buildings. Great care was taken when choosing particular micro-locations for new buildings in order to avoid cutting trees wherever possible. A manual for the valorisation of existing vegetation has been developed, and based on this, new buildings have been positioned so that primarily low-value trees are cut, i.e. to avoid cutting valuable and healthy trees.

Central building (education hub)

All new buildings are designed in accordance with environmental standards. Passive strategies such as thermal insulation and shading are applied, in combinations with energy efficient heating and cooling systems. In order to preserve and improve the biodiversity of this natural environment, compensatory planting is planned in accordance with the following principle: For each felled tree of low vitality, one tree will be replaced, and for each felled tree of medium vitality, two trees will be replaced. Compensatory planting will replace all the felled trees, and more than that (about 140%). A total of about 80 new trees will be planted.

Group of pavilions

The project envisions the revitalization of the "Pioneer City" - a sport, recreational, and educational complex for children. This is a site of historical significance that once served as a gathering place for pioneers across Yugoslavia, but has suffered from decades of neglect and deterioration. Recognizing its value, the City of Belgrade has initiated a comprehensive redevelopment plan. Spanning 17 hectares, and cca 24.000 m² of gross area, the project includes the demolition of illegally constructed buildings, the reconstruction of two existing structures, and the construction of 20 new buildings designed to meet contemporary standards and needs. Key features of the redevelopment include reconstruction of the Central building which severs as an education hub, construction of 11 new accommodation pavilions with a total capacity of 616 beds, an indoor swimming pool, a multifunctional sports hall, and an open-air stage. The design also includes a complete landscape overhaul, with the 8 sports courts, a winter sports zone, and a fun zone featuring various playgrounds and several outdoor classrooms. New pedestrian paths, made from natural and permeable materials, will connect these spaces, while maintaining the integrity of the environment. The complex will feature extensive greenery, with the planting of new trees and landscaping to further integrate the complex with the natural environment. Once completed it will serve as a hub for youth development.

Accommodation pavilion
The goal of the project is to revitalize the "Pionirski grad" complex by preserving its historical character while transforming it into a modern hub for youth development. Key challenges included integrating new facilities without disrupting the natural beauty of the Košutnjak forest. Through careful planning and respectful design, the project successfully meets both objectives-respecting heritage and integrating with nature while creating a vibrant, sustainable space for the future generations.

Credits

 Belgrade
 Serbia
 Belgrade City Administration, Secretariat for Investments
 Mixed use
 12/2025
 23849 m2
  59,000,000.00 €
 DBA Ltd.
 Jadranka Bugarski Vujović, Mila Jević, Milija Čakarević, Dejan Pauković, Aleksandar Mutavdžić, Marina Mihajlovski Stošić, Dajana Ostojić Radovanović, Petra Jovanović
 Alumil, Philips, Knauf, Swisspearl

Bio

DBA Ltd., founded in 2007 in Novi Sad, Serbia, by architect Djordje Bajilo, the current owner and CEO, has grown from a small practice of four architects to a team of over 50. The company specializes in architectural and urban design, project management, engineering, and consulting.
DBA focuses on high-rise construction, primarily public buildings such as schools, hospitals, cultural centers, pools, and hotels, as well as residential, commercial, industrial and public space projects. DBA primarily operates in the domestic market, achieving steady growth over 17 years to rank among the top 10 companies in its field in Serbia, with aims to maintain or improve this position. Stability, long-term trust from private and public clients, and consistent performance ensure future success.
With long-term client trust and consistent success in public procurements, DBA continues to expand. Its dedication to architecture and urban design has earned it numerous prestigious awards.


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