luca poian’s vision for Podgorica
In Podgorica, Montenegro, a new Central Library designed by Luca Poian Forms is envisioned as both a cultural beacon and an environmentally conscious public building. Sited prominently along Bulevar Mihaila Lalića at the northern edge of the university campus, the project aligns itself with the city’s ongoing evolution.
The proposal positions the library as a place of exchange and collective learning. The structure is organized with a cross-shaped plan, while curved rooflines and softened corners lend the building a distinct civic character. Each corner opens outward toward the city, drawing visitors inward through sheltered, shaded canopies that double as social thresholds.
visualizations © Slim Studio
a new sustainable precedent in montenegro
Architect Luca Poian designs its Montenegro library with a translucent ETFE facade. Light yet resilient, it enables a luminous, energy-efficient envelope that blurs the boundary between exterior and interior. Behind this surface, bioclimatic sun greenhouses wrap the volume on all sides, serving as environmental buffers and informal social zones. They absorb solar heat, regulate temperature, and lend a gentle transition between the outside world and the quieter reading environments within.
Photovoltaic panels on the roof and passive design strategies further the building’s environmental agenda. These measures all together reduce operational energy use and establish a precedent for sustainable academic infrastructure in Montenegro. The design achieves a sense of calm through precision as each layer of the building’s skin is calibrated for energy performance and interior comfort.
the Central Library by Luca Poian Forms is set to bring a new civic landmark in Montenegro
inside the proposal for Podgorica
Luca Poian plans the library’s entrance with a triple-height lobby that immediately reveals its vertical continuity. A broad spiral stair anchors the space, connecting all levels in a single, fluid gesture. The ground floor hosts public and social programming: a 150-seat auditorium at the center, a café and bookstore along the west and east wings, and an exhibition gallery facing south, all of which remain accessible beyond library hours.
As one ascends, the spaces transition from social to contemplative. The first floor houses the Music Archive and multimedia studios, while the second opens into a double-height reading room beneath a linear skylight. The play of daylight here defines the rhythm of study and reflection. The uppermost level accommodates special collections, archives, and staff spaces, framing the city through diffused, even light.
a translucent ETFE facade gives the library a light-filled and energy efficient presence
the building’s cross shaped plan opens toward the city with four welcoming entrances
a hybrid structure of glulam CLT and concrete supports adaptable and sustainable spaces
project info:
project name: Central Library
architect: Luca Poian Forms | @lucapoianforms
location: Podgorica, Montenegro
client: University of Montenegro, Montenegro Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property
building area: 10,223 square meters
status: International Design Competition
visualizations: © Slim Studio | @slimstudio.eu
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