Zaha Hadid and Bureau Cube win banking tower competition in Belgrade

Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners have been selected to design the new Alta Tower in New Belgrade, Serbia, following an international competition commissioned by Alta Bank.

The 35-story mixed-use tower will serve as Alta Bank’s new headquarters, combining office spaces, residential units, and retail amenities. According to the design team, the project reflects the bank’s core values of “stability, security and resilience,” aiming to create a flexible and collaborative environment for contemporary working patterns.

Located within New Belgrade’s Block 32, adjacent to the Merkator Shopping Center and near the Ušće Park promenade, the development includes a new pedestrianized public plaza with cafes and shops. The tower’s podium will house bank offices and rental workspaces, with residential units positioned on upper floors to maximize views over the Danube River valley and Belgrade’s Old Town. 

Designed for the city’s continental climate, the facade incorporates vertical louvres to manage solar gain and support natural ventilation. Meanwhile, the team notes that locally sourced materials and modular systems will be used to enhance sustainability and efficiency throughout construction.