Nominator: Ema Alihodžić Jašarović

Nominator's statement

Nikolija Pešić Savić is a fifth-year student at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Montenegro. During her studies, she showed exceptional talent, where she distinguished herself with a large number of award-winning projects at student and professional events. Her sensibility for working in a sensitive context stands out, where she intervenes precisely and thoughtfully, respecting the layers of the place. Such an approach to the creation of the project of the Museum in Cetinje led to the Piranesi award nomination in the student project category. Regardless of typology, Nikolija shows sensibility towards the creation of space that is in line with sustainable principles. As part of the Architectural Workshop course, with her colleague Emilija Raonić, she creates an experimental practice called ŠAV, criticizing fast fashion, and using textile waste as a resource. She further improved her education by staying at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, where she worked on several experimental projects, with a focus on context and contemporary social practices. Parallel to her studies, she developed her own architectural practice, Studio MAS, in which she actively deals with architecture and interior design, being recognized for her sophisticated and minimalist expression and clear materiality.

APARTMENT M

Apartment M is a 150-square-meter residence located in a quiet street in the heart of Vračar, Belgrade, conceived as an urban oasis away from city noise. The interior follows a contemporary, minimalist Japandi concept focused on fuctionality, comfort and calm spatial clarity.

Natural materials such as oak, quartz and travertine shape a harmonious and durable environment, where aesthetic value emerges from function and the space feels light and airy.

A dialogue between rounded and rectangular forms defines the interior, creating a balanced and refined visual rhythm visible in furniture, details and architectural elements. The living areas are characterized by neutral tones, warm wood and stone accents, while the kitchen emphasizes practicality through a central island, organized storage and subtle lighting.

Bathrooms combine light and dark tones with wood, stone and ceramics to achieve a sophisticated atmosphere.

Bedrooms continue the minimalist language through soft colors, textured materials and natural light, while the children’s room introduces gentle pastel tones and adaptable furniture.

Carefully designed details and small relaxation corners throughout the apartment reinforce the sense of warmth, comfort and everyday elegance.

ARTISTS’ LIVING + PRODUCING CELLS AND CLUSTERS

Artists’ Living + Producing Cells and Clusters is a residential and working complex for artists located in Carabanchel, Madrid, developed at Universidad Europea de Madrid. The project is based on integrating a new architectural structure into the existing urban context through a grid system that enables gradual growth, optimal sunlight exposure, visual connections and strong pedestrian links with the surroundings.

The spatial organization is conceived as a network of modular “cells” designed for living and working, accommodating different capacities (1–2, 2–4 and 3–6 artists). These units form clusters that create shared open and semi-public spaces, encouraging collaboration, exchange and collective production while preserving privacy and individual creative processes.

The architecture is defined by a flexible structural grid and a layered relationship between built form and landscape. Green areas, pathways and micro-ambiences become an integral part of the system, shaping a sustainable and human-cantered environment for contemporary artistic life and production.

ABOVE-GROUND PUBLIC PARKING GARAGE IN PODGORICA

The project represents a landscape–infrastructural complex of a public parking garage located in an area of intense urban transformation, at the intersection of existing and planned city districts. The concept is based on the idea that infrastructure should not dominate the space as a massive object, but rather be integrated into the urban landscape, while the ground level is activated as a public park connecting the city, pedestrian flows and everyday urban life.

The traffic organization is structured through a clear separation of movement regimes and the relocation of entrances and exits away from the main boulevard, increasing safety and traffic efficiency while freeing surrounding areas for pedestrians and public use. Underground and above-ground levels maximize the site’s parking capacity, while the roof continues the parking system without increasing the overall building volume.

The park is conceived as a key architectural element — a space for gathering, rest and recreation, featuring an amphitheatre, playgrounds, green zones and water elements. Supporting programs are positioned outside the building footprint, reducing the perception of mass and creating an open, flexible public environment.

The architectural expression is defined by a modular grid, perforated façade and the integration of greenery into the building structure. In this way, the large volume adapts to the scale of the city and the pedestrian, transforming the garage from a purely technical infrastructure into a generator of public and social life.

The project was developed in collaboration with colleague Emilija Raonić.