LDA Design's ideas for a new forest park in Montenegro

Image: courtesy of LDA Design

Montenegro’s climate is changing. This small state on the Balkan Peninsula is now experiencing drier summers and wetter winters, with extreme rainfall. The country is heavily forested and the hotter summers have led to an increase in forest fires, contributing to a 5% loss in tree cover over recent years. In 2021, a fire raged across the country for 16 days.

Montenegro needs to not only protect its lush canopy to aid cooling but also to expand it, wherever possible.

A recent ideas competition launched by the capital city of Podgorica’s administration looked to make the city more climate resilient through the creation of a new forest park overlooking the city. 

LDA Design says:

'The Park will become an exciting new visitor destination for Podgorica’s 185,000 residents and is part of an ongoing drive to boost the city’s green infrastructure and support healthy, active lifestyles. The project aims to create a model of urban afforestation for other cities to follow.'

LDA Design’s vision for Leškopoljska Gorica Forest Park started with an understanding of what the city’s young population (the average age is 35) might need, as well as how to maximise the site’s hill-top potential.

A main feature of the design was the Podgorica Eye, a striking five-metre-tall structure with space for exhibitions, events, yoga and fitness studios and a café – all with stunning views over the city. Despite being one of the smallest countries of Europe, Montenegro is ecologically rich and wildlife thrives on Lješkopolje Gorica. There are deer and wild boar, and myriad species of birds and butterflies.

LDA’s competition entry featured an elevated, accessible walkway through the park helping to make visits a rich, immersive experience with places to sit and take in the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. Its ‘kit of parts’ included a botanical garden, featuring a ‘dye’ garden, physic garden and an ecology testbed.

A playful landscape would appeal to all ages and include experimental sensory play. There would be space for an open-air theatre as well a forest trails and outdoor gym. An environmental education programme would support habitat restoration, with activities such as forest schools, living labs and tree planting days.