On November 14, 2024, Urania hosted the event ＂Sustainable hour: Sustainability of Industrial Buildings". The focus was on designing industrial spaces to meet new ecological standards and sustainability goals. Guests included architects from Belgrade and representatives from Prostoria, who shared innovative approaches and brought attention to technological innovations  in transforming industrial spaces into sustainable environments.

Marko Matejić and Nikola Ivković, founders of the Belgrade-based architectural studio ＂Main Architects＂, alongside their colleagues Matea Prokić and Aleksandra Kalezić, shared their experiences in designing industrial buildings by presenting their project for the Feniksbus factory for the production of electrical mini and midi buses in Novi Sad, Serbia.  

They emphasized the presence of sustainability as an integral and intuitive element in the contemporary and pragmatic approach to designing and constructing buildings. This perspective extends beyond a purely environmental focus, incorporating a comprehensive approach to sustainability and optimization. It includes the functionality and cost-effectiveness of the building (economic aspect), the social aspect seen as fostering functional harmony among diverse user groups, and the resilience, flexibility, and adaptability of the building to societal changes and external factors that could impact processes and workflows.

Architect Iva Šilović, representing Prostoria, discussed sustainable design innovations, focusing on the use of recycled and natural materials. She introduced the new Buffa collection, which harmonizes ecology and aesthetics by incorporating eco-friendly materials. This collection exemplifies the balance between functionality and ecological responsibility, reflecting the principles of sustainability in modern design.

In conclusion, this event emphasized the significance of digitalization, automation, and the implementation of new technologies in optimizing space utilization, harnessing renewable energy sources, reducing energy consumption, and streamlining the use of other resources. Together, these principles form a forward-thinking framework for efficient and adaptable building design.

Photos: Edita Sentić