The project is a thoughtful example of sustainable spatial design based on the reuse of materials, minimal interventions and the application of techniques with a low ecological footprint.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
The identified problem was the presence of a small, central, but completely neglected space within the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade. Although located just behind the main entrance, this 75 m² space had no defined function, no access and had been left to decay over decades, becoming disconnected from academic and social life. The need was to reclaim and transform this neglected area into a useful, engaging environment for its everyday users, a place for meeting, sharing and learning. The project addresses the problem of neglected space and transforms the abandoned void into a sustainable, community-driven platform. Social engagement is ensured by involving the users themselves in shaping the space, while the intervention transforms academic life by providing a space for pause and rest within the faculty, as well as a place for gathering.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
The project was inspired by the microscopic image of wood’s cellular structure, which shaped the conceptual framework for material organization and spatial design. The architectural solution emphasizes reuse and clarity: the floor integrates reclaimed galvanized steel grates and wooden slabs, systematically arranged by species, origin, and processing methods, turning construction elements into a living archive and educational resource. The steel substructure was deliberately designed to be modular and as simple as possible to fabricate, ensuring efficiency and adaptability. Two micro-laboratories anchor the intervention. Xylotheque presents dozens of types of wood used in exterior applications, with instruments enabling real-time monitoring of hydrothermal parameters. The Landscape Laboratory introduces selected plant species, creating a controlled micro-environment for biodiversity observation and spatial experimentation. Technical measures included façade and roofing renewal, drainage improvements… The process combined collaborative design, ecological integration, and hands-on construction, merging sustainability, research, and education into a coherent solution.
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
Our project is innovative because it transforms a neglected atrium into a hybrid space that is both a xylographic catalogue of wood species and an open public area for students to spend time in. Unlike conventional renovations, the atrium is not only rehabilitated but reimagined as a living laboratory where sustainability, education, and everyday life intersect. The Xylotheque installation enables direct exploration of wood species, turning reclaimed materials into teaching tools, while the Landscape Laboratory introduces biodiversity into the architectural setting. At the same time, the atrium functions as a welcoming social environment, integrated with the faculty’s daily rhythm. By combining material reuse, ecological awareness, and student-centered design, the project offers a unique model of how overlooked spaces can become drivers of sustainable transformation and collective responsibility.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
Our project reflects the needs of young people by offering a multifunctional atrium that combines rest, learning, and creative expression. It provides students and professors with a comfortable space to relax during breaks, encouraging informal interaction and community building. At the same time, it is likely the only place where they can encounter so many different wood species used in architecture in one location, enabling direct, hands-on exploration of material properties and performance. Furthermore, the installation of cables along the walls allows the atrium to function as an exhibition venue for student projects, giving young people a platform to present their work publicly and engage with peers.
