THE HISTORY
The area of today’s Block 37 was once part of Belgrade’s first airport, which opened back in 1927. However, in 1961, during the socialist period of Yugoslavia, it was decided that Block 37 would be built here, unique for its pentagonal layout.
Construction began between 1966 and 1970, and at the same time, the Lastavica kindergarten and Đuro Strugar Elementary School were established, both of which remain iconic landmarks of the block. The urban design was created by renowned architects Mihailo Mitrović, Stojan Maksimović, and Jovan Mišković, supported by a team of collaborators.
The local community to which the block belonged was named “4th of July”, a date that also marked Fighter’s Day and the celebration of the community itself.
Vrtić Lastavica
In the western part of the block, along Tošin Bunar Street, a complex of multi-story buildings in the postmodernist style was constructed between 1981 and 1985.
Nove zgrade u Bloku 37
The central area of Block 37 includes a kindergarten, an elementary school, and several playgrounds surrounded by greenery. Nearby is the former local community center, now repurposed as a commercial space.
On the southern edge of the block, two commercial buildings were constructed in 2008 and 2009. A planned third building was never built, thanks to the efforts of residents and local civic activists, who, through organized action, preserved the space and the distinctive character of the neighborhood.
Residents are also actively involved in maintaining and decorating public spaces, through murals and other artistic interventions. On one of the long residential wings stands a mural dedicated to basketball coach Dušan Ivković, created by the artists Lažni Muralista and Jovana, as a tribute to sport and its importance to the local community.
Finally, fans of Red Star Belgrade have marked their presence with the inscription of the “Delije” fan group on the kindergarten building, reflecting another layer of the block’s urban identity.
THE DESIGN
Block 37 exhibits the characteristics of a typical New Belgrade block from the so-called Third Sector, alongside its neighbors, Blocks 33 and 38. Born in the spirit of industrial modernism, this block with its pentagonal layout emphasizes simplicity and functionality.
Along the highway rises a distinctive row of four high-rise buildings, popularly known as the “Four Idiots”, a symbol that greets visitors entering Belgrade across from the Genex Tower. The block comprises seven residential wings, characterized by clean geometric forms, flat roofs, and long horizontal window bands.
autor Lažni muralista i Jovana, mural posvećen Dušanu Ivkoviću
On the long residential block, there is a mural dedicated to basketball coach Dušan Ivković, created by street artists Lažni Muralista and Jovana.
Vrtić Lastavica
In the western part of the block, there is a newer postmodern complex, built between 1981 and 1985, which introduces a different architectural expression and reflects the block’s evolving style over the decades.
