GP5 Title: Nova Iskra, the first creative hub in the Balkans – Serbia #

📍 Location: Belgrad, Serbia

Introduction and Context #

What is Nova Iskra

Nova Iskra is the first creative hub in the Balkans, founded on December 6, 2012, in Belgrade, Serbia[1][2]. The organization was established with a mission to design spaces and experiences that connect creative industries, technology, and people, enabling individuals, organizations, and businesses to work, learn, innovate, and create together.

As a pioneering initiative in Southeast Europe, Nova Iskra operates as a hybrid, transdisciplinary platform that bridges the creative community with potential businesses and supports the realization of their ideas in the market[3]. The organization encompasses three main operational areas: Nova Iskra Workspace (coworking spaces), Nova Iskra Programs & Education (informal learning initiatives), and Nova Iskra Studio (design and project management services).

The founding team consists primarily of professionals from cultural management and creative sectors who identified the need for quality workspace, technical resources, and practical education for emerging creative professionals. Since its inception, Nova Iskra has realized over 300 free educational programs and professional consultations while initiating numerous projects in social entrepreneurship and creative business[4].

Current Locations and Addresses #

Nova Iskra currently operates three distinct coworking locations across Belgrade:

1. Savamala Location (Original Hub) #

Address: Gavrila Principa 43, Belgrade[5][6][7]

This is the original and flagship location where Nova Iskra first opened its doors in December 2012[8][9]. Located in the vibrant Savamala district, this space serves as the main creative hub and houses the Green Lab urban garden project[10]. The location offers 120 working stations, a rooftop terrace, game room, and various amenities including meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, and communal areas[11][12].

2. Zemun Location #

Address: Oračka 4, Zemun, Belgrade[13][14]

The second coworking space opened in Zemun, a neighbourhood rich in history and beautiful old buildings[15]. This location spans 1,100 m² and was designed by architectural studio Petokraka, completing construction in 2018[16]. The space features modern offices, workstations, a rooftop terrace with city views, meeting rooms, and recreational areas including a game zone[17][18].

3. Dorćol Location #

Address: Cara Uroša 18, Upper Dorćol district, Belgrade[19]

The third and newest location officially opened in September 2019 as part of Nova Iskra’s partnership with Rent24, an international coworking network. This location spans over 1,200 m² and accommodates a community of 130 people, featuring multiple levels with conference rooms, private offices, relaxation areas, a rooftop terrace, and a unique urban garden in the reception area. Notably, this became the first coworking space in Belgrade to include an accompanying restaurant and bar.

Origins: What These Locations Were Before Nova Iskra #

Savamala Original Space (Gavrila Principa 43) #

The original Nova Iskra location was previously a “rundown office space of 350 sqm” that required complete reconstruction and refurbishing[20][21]. The space underwent extensive renovation by Belgrade-based architecture studio Petokraka, involving the removal of walls, opening of additional windows, and installation of new industrial flooring to create an illuminated open-space effect[22]. The transformation took more than two years of preparation before the official opening in December 2012.

Green Lab Area #

Within the Savamala location, the Green Lab represents a particularly significant transformation. This 250 m² multifunctional outdoor space was previously just “the roof of a nearby object and uncultivated piece of land overgrown with weeds”. Through collaboration with NIS (oil company) under their “Together for the Community” program and the Belgrade Festival of Flowers, this neglected area was transformed into an educational and ecological oasis featuring over 50 plant species.

Zemun and Dorćol Locations #

While specific details about the previous use of the Zemun (Oračka 4) and Dorćol (Cara Uroša 18) locations are not extensively documented in available sources, both spaces underwent significant architectural renovation by studio Petokraka to create modern, light-filled coworking environments[23][24]. The Zemun location was completed in 2018 and won the BIG SEE Interior Design Award in 2021 for its innovative design that contrasts clean lighting with brick walls and raw concrete ceilings.

Organizational Evolution and Expansion #

Nova Iskra’s growth from a single location to three major coworking hubs reflects its successful model of combining workspace provision with community building and educational programming[25]. The organization started with 18 work units in 2012 and expanded to 56 working units by 2018 in the original Savamala location alone. This expansion was supported by partnerships with international companies like UK-based Arbor Education Partners and later with the global coworking provider Rent24[26].

The organization has established itself as a key player in the European Creative Hubs Network and maintains partnerships with similar organizations across Europe and internationally, positioning Nova Iskra as a significant contributor to the Southeast European creative industries ecosystem[27][28].

Nova Iskra Case Study #

Development within the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) and New European Bauhaus (NEB) Principles

Nova Iskra is a leading creative and educational hub in Serbia, recognized for its innovative approach to sustainable urban transformation, community engagement, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Its flagship project, the Green Lab, exemplifies how underutilized urban spaces can be reimagined as vibrant centres for ecological learning and social innovation, aligning closely with both the New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles and the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM).

Nova Iskra: Organizational Overview #

• Mission: To foster creativity, sustainability, and community-driven innovation through coworking spaces, educational programs, and collaborative projects.
  
• Locations: Three major hubs in Belgrade—Savamala (original site and Green Lab), Zemun, and Dorćol, each created through adaptive reuse of neglected or industrial spaces.
  
• Core Activities: Coworking, educational initiatives, design and technology research, and community events, all aimed at building human and social capital.
  

The Green Lab: Flagship Example #

Project Description #

The Green Lab, located at Nova Iskra’s Savamala site, is Belgrade’s first urban garden and open-air classroom dedicated to sustainable development. Covering 250 m², it was transformed from an overgrown, unused rooftop and adjacent land into a multifunctional ecological oasis. The Green Lab is used for educational programs, workshops, and community events focused on green economy, sustainable urban living, and biodiversity.

• Transformation: From neglected rooftop and land to a thriving urban garden.
  
• Key Features: Over 50 plant species, sustainable waste management, alternative energy sources, and participatory design with local partners.
  
• Stakeholders: Nova Iskra, NIS (corporate partner), Belgrade Festival of Flowers, local residents, and a wide network of experts and organizations.
  

Focus on the Green Lab: Rationale and Significance #

Among Nova Iskra’s initiatives, the Green Lab at the Savamala location stands out as a flagship example of sustainable urban transformation and educational innovation. The Green Lab is a 250 m² multifunctional outdoor space, created by converting a previously unused rooftop and overgrown land into a thriving urban garden and open-air classroom.

Why Focus on the Green Lab?

• Model of Urban Sustainability: The Green Lab demonstrates how neglected urban infrastructure can be repurposed for ecological, social, and educational benefits. It incorporates sustainable design principles, biodiversity, and resource-efficient systems.
  
• Educational Innovation: Serving as an outdoor classroom, the Green Lab hosts workshops, lectures, and community events focused on green skills, sustainable development, and environmental awareness.
  
• Community Engagement: The project actively involves local residents, businesses, and organizations in the design, maintenance, and programming of the space, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion.
  
• Alignment with NEB and BeCom Goals: The Green Lab embodies the core principles of the New European Bauhaus – sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, while serving as a practical case for the BeCom project’s Green Buildings Learning Portfolio.
  

Reasons for Elaborating the Green Lab

• Replicability: The Green Lab provides a concrete, documented model that can be adapted and implemented in other urban contexts, making it highly relevant for educational and knowledge transfer purposes.
  
• Cross-Sectoral Impact: Its development and operation engage multiple sectors (environmental, social, political, economic, educational), aligning with the Quintuple Helix Model and offering rich insights for each.
  
• Demonstrated Outcomes: The Green Lab’s success is evidenced by increased community participation, improved urban biodiversity, and the creation of new educational resources.
  

Given these strengths, the Green Lab will be the primary focus for detailed analysis and resource development within the Green Buildings Learning Portfolio. Its story offers valuable lessons and practical steps for other communities seeking to integrate NEB principles and sustainable practices into their urban environments.

NEB Principles in Practice #

The New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative is anchored in three core values: Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion, which serve as guiding principles for transforming urban spaces and fostering community well-being. Nova Iskra’s Green Lab is a living example of how these principles can be realized in practice, providing a replicable model for sustainable urban development and social innovation.

Sustainability

• Urban Biodiversity: The Green Lab incorporates more than 50 native and adapted plant species, creating habitats for pollinators and urban wildlife. This biodiversity enriches the local ecosystem and supports ecological resilience.
  
• Green Infrastructure: By converting a neglected rooftop and overgrown land into a productive green space, the project helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, improves air quality, and manages rainwater runoff through permeable surfaces and strategic planting.
  
• Resource Efficiency: Sustainable waste management practices, including composting and recycling, are integrated into the site. Landscaping is designed to minimize water and energy use, with drought-tolerant species and efficient irrigation methods.
  
• Renewable Energy: The Green Lab utilizes solar-powered lighting and energy-efficient infrastructure, reducing its carbon footprint and serving as a demonstration site for renewable energy in urban settings.
  
• Nature-Based Solutions: The design emphasizes natural processes such as soil regeneration and plant succession, ensuring the long-term health and adaptability of the space.
  

Aesthetics

• Creative Landscape Design: The transformation of a previously neglected area into a lush, vibrant garden highlights the power of thoughtful design. The spatial arrangement, selection of plants, and use of natural materials create a harmonious and inviting environment.
  
• Transformation of Neglected Space: The adaptive reuse of underutilized urban land demonstrates the potential to turn liabilities into community assets. The contrast between greenery and the surrounding urban fabric creates a visually striking and inspiring setting.
  
• Visual and Sensory Appeal: The garden offers a rich sensory experience, with changes in colour, texture, and fragrance throughout the seasons. Spaces for relaxation and social interaction are integrated, encouraging visitors to linger and engage.
  
• Cultural Expression: Artistic elements, such as murals and installations, and references to local design traditions reinforce the site’s identity and connect it to Belgrade’s cultural heritage.
  

Inclusion

• Open Workshops and Events: The Green Lab regularly hosts free educational programs, gardening workshops, and cultural events, inviting participation from residents of all ages and backgrounds.
  
• Participatory Design: Community members were actively involved in the planning and design of the space, ensuring that it reflects local needs and aspirations.
  
• Community Stewardship: Maintenance and programming are carried out collaboratively, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among participants.
  
• Accessibility: The site is designed to be physically accessible, with barrier-free pathways and inclusive signage, making it welcoming to everyone.
  
• Social Cohesion: By serving as a gathering place for diverse groups, the Green Lab encourages dialogue, cooperation, and the building of social capital.
  

Summary Table: NEB Principles at Nova Iskra Green Lab

NEB Principle	How It Is Demonstrated at Green Lab
Sustainability	Urban biodiversity, green infrastructure, renewable energy, waste reduction
Aesthetics	Creative landscape design, transformation of neglected space, visual appeal
Inclusion	Open workshops, participatory design, community stewardship, accessibility

The Green Lab at Nova Iskra demonstrates how the New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles of Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion can be operationalized in a real urban context. By embedding these values into every aspect of its design, programming, and community engagement, the Green Lab not only addresses environmental and social challenges but also creates a space that is meaningful, beautiful, and accessible to all. This holistic approach is at the heart of the NEB movement, which seeks to ensure that the green transition is not only technically effective but also culturally resonant and socially equitable.

In the next section, we will examine how the Green Lab’s development and ongoing activities align with the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM), a framework that emphasizes innovation through collaboration among the environment, society, politics, economy, and education sectors.

✅ What the sector can learn: Green Lab Nova Iskra (QHM-Oriented)

🌍 Environment #

– Green Infrastructure and Urban Ecology

Object: The Green Lab at Nova Iskra, Belgrade, Serbia
Transformation Goal: Reclaiming an unused rooftop and adjacent land into a sustainable and biodiverse green space

Key Lessons and Adaptations:

1. Urban Biodiversity through Regeneration
   
   Lesson: Over 50 plant species were introduced, enhancing ecological diversity.
   
   Adaptation: Urban spaces can be rewilded to support pollinators and microhabitats.
   
2. Climate Resilience through Green Infrastructure
   
   Lesson: The space mitigates heat islands, absorbs rainwater, and improves air quality.
   
   Adaptation: Green elements should be integrated into urban design to buffer environmental impacts.
   
3. Low-Impact, Nature-Based Design
   
   Lesson: Use of natural processes like composting, passive watering, and solar energy.
   
   Adaptation: Projects should favour low-energy and regenerative practices.
   

Practical Steps:

• 
  Design using native species and low-maintenance soil systems
  
• 
  Install solar lighting and compost units
  
• 
  Monitor ecological indicators (air, temperature, biodiversity)
  

👥 Society #

– Community Engagement and Social Innovation

Object: The Green Lab as a civic space and learning garden
Transformation Goal: Enabling community ownership and inclusive participation in urban regeneration

Key Lessons and Adaptations:

1. Inclusive Use of Urban Commons
   
   Lesson: The Lab operates as a non-commercial public space, open to all.
   
   Adaptation: Civic spaces should be multi-use, free, and co-managed.
   
2. Participatory Design as Social Bonding
   
   Lesson: Local actors were involved from planning to stewardship.
   
   Adaptation: Co-creation strengthens legitimacy and social capital.
   
3. Shared Governance and Stewardship
   
   Lesson: Community groups maintain and activate the space regularly.
   
   Adaptation: Encourage long-term civic engagement beyond project launch.
   

Practical Steps:

• 
  Facilitate co-design workshops and public programming
  
• 
  Build neighbourhood stewardship groups
  
• 
  Make access universal (barrier-free design, multi-language communication)
  

🏛️ Politics #

– Governance and Urban Policy

Object: The Green Lab as a public-private-community partnership
Transformation Goal: Demonstrating inclusive governance and influencing urban green policies

Key Lessons and Adaptations:

1. Collaborative Urban Governance
   
   Lesson: The Lab was realized through cooperation with city actors, companies, and civic groups.
   
   Adaptation: Governance should be shared and participatory from the outset.
   
2. Policy Advocacy through Demonstration
   
   Lesson: The Lab served as a pilot for integrating green spaces in dense urban zones.
   
   Adaptation: Physical projects can inform and shape regulatory frameworks.
   
3. Multilevel Stakeholder Involvement
   
   Lesson: The initiative bridged city administration, corporate sponsors, and NGOs.
   
   Adaptation: Align actors with different mandates through clear common goals.
   

Practical Steps:

• 
  Establish a stakeholder council across sectors
  
• 
  Document policy outcomes and share with decision-makers
  
• 
  Use the space as a venue for policy dialogue and participatory planning
  

💶 Economy #

– Green Entrepreneurship and Creative Industry

Object: Green Lab as a hybrid of green infrastructure and cultural programming
Transformation Goal: Promoting eco-social business models within creative urban environments

Key Lessons and Adaptations:

1. Public-Private Synergies for Impact
   
   Lesson: Sponsored by NIS and supported by festivals and creative businesses
   
   Adaptation: Encourage co-financing models that include social and environmental returns.
   
2. Green Economy Activation
   
   Lesson: Events and activities promote eco-conscious products and services.
   
   Adaptation: Green buildings can incubate sustainable business initiatives.
   
3. Cultural-Economic Hybrid Models
   
   Lesson: The space fuses coworking, ecology, and design culture.
   
   Adaptation: Combine creative and ecological value creation in one space.
   

Practical Steps:

• 
  Create business cases around circular economy in urban renewal
  
• 
  Develop flexible-use zones (pop-up shops, eco-markets)
  
• 
  Foster partnerships with sustainable entrepreneurs
  

🎓 Education #

– Learning, Research, and Knowledge Transfer

Object: Green Lab as an outdoor classroom and educational resource
Transformation Goal: Fostering green skills, interdisciplinary learning, and community education

Key Lessons and Adaptations:

1. Learning by Doing in Real Contexts
   
   Lesson: The Lab provides hands-on learning about sustainability and urban ecology.
   
   Adaptation: Educational programs should embed learners in real transformation spaces.
   
2. Cross-Sectoral Educational Partnerships
   
   Lesson: The Lab collaborated with schools, experts, and civil society.
   
   Adaptation: Build interinstitutional links for project-based learning.
   
3. Knowledge Sharing for Replicability
   
   Lesson: Methods and resources were shared for uptake elsewhere.
   
   Adaptation: Create educational materials that allow for scalable application.
   

Practical Steps:

• 
  Design modular curricula for outdoor green learning
  
• 
  Host co-teaching events with practitioners and educators
  
• 
  Build online documentation and toolkits for other regions