BLOCK 33

Block 33 is located between the streets Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića, Zorana Đinđića, Omladinskih brigada, and Narodnih heroja. It lies between Block 1 and Block 38.

In 1961, a competition was announced for the third residential district of New Belgrade, which included Block 33. The conceptual design was created by architects Mihailo Mitrović, Stojan Maksimović, and Jovan Mišković, in collaboration with Radivoje Gibarec, Radovan Mitrović, and Dragoslav Mijušković. Construction began in 1966 and was completed in 1970.

 Later, a mixed-use complex with two towers was built within the block, known as the Genex Tower, designed by architect Mihailo Mitrović.

Dečja ustanova Naša radost, danas Vrtić Poletarac

The block includes the Poletarac kindergarten, but no school, a rare omission for this type of development. The planned building for the local community center was also never completed.

The block belonged to the local community “Sutjeska,” established on October 24, 1968, when its community day was celebrated. Stylistically, the block combines industrial modernism with the international style, characterized by low-rise buildings, clean geometric forms, flat roofs, and horizontal window strips.

arh Mihjalo Mitrović Geneks kula

A distinctive feature of this block is the Genex Tower, which is adorned with murals by the painter Lazar Vujaklija on the residential building.

The structure consists of 11 residential buildings and the two Genex Tower skyscrapers in a Brutalist style. In the northwest stands a cluster of four nine-story buildings, in the east two long eight-story buildings and one four-story slab block, while in the south are the so-called “Generalice,” four square-plan complexes originally built for military personnel. Connected by covered walkways, they create shaded and sheltered areas for relaxation.

The block is notable for its abundant greenery, and its residents—much like those of the surrounding blocks—actively campaign to preserve open green spaces and oppose further construction

The most recognizable symbol of the block is the Genex Tower. Originally, the two skyscrapers were planned to have 18 floors each, but architect Mihailo Mitrović nearly doubled their height, a precedent in urban planning at the time. The office section of the building was constructed for Genex, one of Yugoslavia’s most successful foreign trade companies, while the residential part has been well-preserved thanks to the care of its tenants. In 1979, the renowned painter Lazar Vujaklija created murals within the complex. After years of neglect, the office section of the Genex Tower was sold in February 2023 to a private company, under circumstances that sparked considerable controversy

At the center of the block lies a grassy area, today serving as the football pitch of FK Novi Beograd. Unlike other blocks, this one is marked by graffiti dedicated to the club. The team organizes tournaments and brings together active players from the local community.