The Capital City of Podgorica has announced an international, open, single-stage, anonymous design competition seeking conceptual urban and architectural designs for a residential and mixed-use complex. The project, part of the ambitious "Gradski Stan" (City Housing) initiative, represents a significant step toward modernizing public housing in Montenegro's capital city.

The competition site encompasses three interconnected urban parcels covering approximately 18,600 square meters, strategically located in one of Podgorica's rapidly developing urban districts. This prime location offers architects and urban planners a unique opportunity to shape the future residential landscape of the city while addressing contemporary housing challenges.

The primary objective of this competition is to obtain high-quality, functional, and sustainable design solutions that will serve as a contemporary model for affordable housing. The winning proposal must demonstrate innovative approaches to diverse apartment typologies, incorporate flexible and modular spatial organization, and feature well-designed communal and green spaces. Additionally, the design must achieve high levels of energy efficiency and climate resilience, reflecting current environmental standards and future sustainability goals.

The "Gradski Stan" project is conceived as a pilot initiative that will set new standards for public housing development in Podgorica. City officials emphasize that this project aims to promote social inclusion, significantly improve quality of life for residents, and establish a new benchmark for the built environment throughout the city. The initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development that balances affordability with modern living standards.

The competition follows a structured timeline designed to ensure thorough participation and evaluation. The official launch took place on September 12, 2025, with a deadline for participant questions set for October 3, 2025. Competition organizers will publish responses to all inquiries by October 10, 2025, providing clarity and transparency throughout the process. The final submission deadline is November 24, 2025, at 12:00 local time (UTC+1), giving participants adequate time to develop comprehensive proposals.

A substantial total prize fund of €94,100 has been allocated to recognize outstanding submissions. The first prize winner will receive €46,600, while second and third place winners will be awarded €24,300 and €12,200, respectively. Additionally, three honorable mentions will each receive €3,000, ensuring that exceptional work receives appropriate recognition even if it doesn't secure top placement.

The competition features a distinguished international jury panel comprising five expert members. The panel includes Zoran Abadić, Saša Bradić, Veljko Radulović, and Duška Mačić, all accomplished architects bringing diverse expertise to the evaluation process. Notably, the jury also includes Pol Karakušević (Paul Karakusevic), an internationally recognized architect whose participation underscores the competition's global significance and commitment to excellence.

Winning architects will face additional responsibilities beyond receiving their prizes. The authors of the winning proposal must submit revised documentation incorporating the jury's recommendations within ten working days following the results announcement. This requirement ensures that the final design fully meets the project's objectives and addresses any refinements suggested by the expert panel.

The jury reserves important discretionary powers in their evaluation process. They may choose not to award certain prizes if submissions fail to meet expected quality standards, maintaining high standards throughout the competition. Conversely, the jury may also assign additional special recognitions to proposals that demonstrate exceptional innovation or merit, providing flexibility to acknowledge outstanding work that may not fit traditional prize categories.

All official documentation, updates, and detailed competition requirements are available through the Capital City of Podgorica's official website. Interested participants can access comprehensive information about submission requirements, site conditions, and project specifications through the dedicated competition portal. The contact and submission email address has been established as konkursi.gradskistan@podgorica.me, providing a direct communication channel for participants throughout the competition period.

This competition represents more than just an architectural challenge; it embodies Podgorica's vision for sustainable urban development and community-centered design. By seeking innovative solutions that balance affordability, functionality, and environmental responsibility, the city is positioning itself at the forefront of progressive housing policy in the Balkans region. The results of this competition will likely influence future housing developments throughout Montenegro and potentially serve as a model for other cities facing similar urban development challenges.