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BLOCK 7

WHERE IS IT?

Blocks 7 and 7a, popularly known as the Pavilions, are located between the streets of Maršala Tolbuhina, Jerneja Kopitara, Tošin Bunar, and Oton Župančič.

THE HISTORY

The construction of apartments in New Belgrade began in 1949 at Tošin Bunar. The urban planning of the workers' pavilions was designed by architect Vido Vrbanić.

Block 7a started being built in 1949, while Block 7, which is an extension of 7a, was constructed in the early 1950s, with the majority of buildings completed in 1955/56. Given that they were built during different historical circumstances, after the breakup with the USSR, this block is characterized by higher quality and more aesthetically pleasing buildings.

In that post-war period, the apartments were intended for workers, and the urban plan for these "workers' pavilions" was created by architect Vido Vrbanić.

This part of the city (Blocks 7 and 7a) was once part of the Pionir neighborhood.

The construction of this block involved youth work brigades, which were a form of collective social engagement during the post-World War II reconstruction of the country.

This area of the city (Blocks 7 and 7a) was once part of the Pionir neighborhood. The construction of this block involved youth work brigades on work actions, a form of collective social engagement for young people during the country's post-World War II reconstruction. For this reason, April 11th is celebrated as the day of this community, as it marks the official beginning of the construction of New Belgrade in post-war Yugoslavia.

In this block, in 1964, the Žikica Jovanović Španac Primary School was built, now known as the Nadežda Petrović Primary School.

Nadežda Petrović Primary School

A particularly significant moment for this block was the construction of the most important medical institution in New Belgrade – the Institute for Mother and Child. The healthcare facility, the Center for Mother and Child, was established in 1950, and the single-story building was completed in 1959. The architect of this part of the current Institute was Aleksandra Nešić. The Institute was expanded in 1974 with the addition of a new thirteen-story building. Generations of young Belgraders received treatment here, and the surrounding area became a gathering place for thousands of parents from across the former Yugoslavia, who came with their children in hopes of recovery.

Architect Slavko Vulešević designed the Institute for Mother and Child "Dr. Vukan Čupić" in 1975.

This part of New Belgrade is known in popular culture as the setting for the film Rane, which takes place in the so-called Pavilions.

THE DESIGN

The construction of this block took place between 1949 and 1956, during a period when Yugoslavia, following its split with the USSR, began shifting towards Western cultural models. While the residential buildings were designed without high aesthetic standards, they exhibit features of modernism, with a strong social component that aligned with the postwar socialist society. The urban plan envisioned free spaces occupying around 65-70% of the total area, a feature still visible today in the lush vegetation. A total of 47 pavilions, or residential buildings, were built. In the southern part, a community center was constructed in the 1980s, and it is currently used by various companies.

Block 7a, which is slightly older, is characterized by lower-quality construction materials and modest aesthetic design, reflecting the conditions following World War II. Since the buildings were essentially designed as standardized models, similar buildings can be found throughout the city and the former Yugoslavia.

Construction of the buildings in neighboring Block 7 began in the early 1950s and was completed by 1955/56. Due to the different historical circumstances at the time, this block features buildings of higher quality and a more refined aesthetic. Postwar modernism started to manifest here through the construction of high-rise buildings with more intricate facades, noticeable in the rhythm of balconies and entrance gates. Larger open spaces allowed for abundant greenery, enhancing the overall pleasant atmosphere of the area.

The buildings in Block 7

Later, the Nadežda Petrović Primary School building was erected, along with a series of other buildings around the perimeter of the block.

 The courtyard of the Nadežda Petrović Elementary School

The building of the Institute for Mother and Child represents the most important point of this block, both due to its healthcare role and its design, which is in line with the international style of architecture. The Institute's project was created by architect Slavko Vulešević in 1975.

The park within the Institute is adorned with numerous sculptures of stylized animal and human forms.

The graffiti depicts the character Number One from the comic strip Alan Ford

Numerous graffiti in a distinctive monochromatic style adorn the buildings of the "Pavilions." These artworks offer various interpretations or scenes from comic strips or popular culture.

As in other parts of New Belgrade, several commemorative murals can be found here as well. For instance, in the schoolyard and nearby Nadežda Petrović School, murals dedicated to deceased Partizan supporters are displayed.

Recently, a bust commemorating local painter Pavle Nikitović Niko was erected in the Pavilions' courtyard.