The City of Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Association of Landscape Architects in Bosnia and Herzegovina (APAuBiH) and the Municipality of Centar, is implementing this process within the European project Bauhaus4MED, funded by the Interreg EuroMED program. The project is based on the principles of the New European Bauhaus – sustainability, inclusion, and beauty.

At the very beginning of the project, in April 2025, Sarajevo hosted a partner meeting and the NEB Festival, which included a public workshop on the revitalization of neglected spaces, an exhibition of successful NEB transformation examples, an artistic performance, and an international conference on the New European Bauhaus.

The ultimate goal of this process, in addition to transforming one neglected space, is to strengthen citizens’ connection to the spaces that belong to them and establish a sense of responsibility towards them.

 Aerial photo of the Breka neighborhood

Workshop on the transformation of neglected spaces led by the Association of Landscape Architects in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Opening of the NEB solutions exhibition with an artistic performance of traditional music

Selection of the Location

The first phase of the process began with the search for a public space that was underutilized, neglected, and with significant potential to be transformed through a participatory process. Project requirements defined the characteristics of the space, such as dimensions and possible interventions. Through the work of a local advisory group, one such space was identified in the Breka neighborhood of Sarajevo, between Hasana Sušića, Ismeta Mujezinovića, and Jovana Bijelića streets.

Selected location for project implementation in Breka

Citizens as Drivers of Change

After preparatory activities, the process continued in May 2025 with a participatory planning workshop held on-site in Breka. Residents shared their proposals and needs through discussions, surveys, and mapping. Their responses showed a clear desire for more greenery, safer and more attractive playgrounds, better lighting, and spaces where neighbors can gather and socialize. These voices and needs became the basis for announcing the competition. The workshop was led by experts from the Association of Landscape Architects of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Workshop on site led by the Association of Landscape Architects of BiH

Open Competition for Conceptual Designs

Based on the workshop results, a public call for conceptual designs for the space near the Konzum store in Breka was announced. Participants were expected to propose projects combining creativity, functionality, and sustainability while showing how their solutions fit the principles of the New European Bauhaus.

The rules were clear: the competition was open to everyone, and the best solutions were rewarded with cash prizes (1st prize 1000 BAM, 2nd prize 500 BAM, 3rd prize 300 BAM). This further motivated the creative community to offer their vision of the future look of the space.

Citizen Voting via Decidim Platform

After the submissions arrived, citizens had the opportunity to vote for their favorites through the Decidim Sarajevo digital platform. With this step, the City of Sarajevo enabled the community to directly participate in the decision-making process, ensuring that the final result truly reflects their needs and wishes.

In this way, the voices of the professional jury (60%) and the citizens (40%) were combined, creating a balance between expert judgment and community expectations.

Winning Designs

Based on the total score, at the end of August 2025 the winners of the competition were announced:

• First prize: Marko Vlaisavljević and Ammar Akšamija – code 05_SKPV2025 (80.9 points)
• Second prize: Orhan Piralić – 04_BREKA2025 “Space Tailored to the Community” (55.0 points)
• Third prize: Alemka Hasečić and Amor Bečić – 02_BREKA–2025 (45.5 points)
• Special jury recognition: Jasmina Bešlagić and Dino Bajramović – 01_04030401

Winning design

City Recognized the Authors

In September 2025, the Mayor of Sarajevo, Samir Avdić, hosted a reception for the authors of the three awarded works and presented a special recognition to the team acknowledged for quality and innovation.

“This process is an example of how the shared vision of citizens and experts can transform a neglected space into a symbol of unity and beauty. Breka shows that Sarajevo is on the path of sustainable and inclusive transformations, where every voice counts,” said Mayor Avdić during the reception.

Reception for the authors of awarded works in the City Hall

Broader European Dimension

It is important to emphasize that the whole process is not just a local initiative, but also part of a wider European story. The Bauhaus4MED project, within which Breka was chosen as a pilot, is financed through the Interreg EuroMED fund and is part of the effort to transform Mediterranean cities through green, inclusive, and aesthetically high-quality interventions. With this project, Sarajevo positions itself as a city that actively applies European sustainable development standards in its local context.

Next Steps

The best-rated design will soon be brought to life. In cooperation between the City of Sarajevo, APAuBiH, and the Municipality of Centar, the implementation phase will follow, taking into account the proposed budget, easy maintenance, and the needs of the local community.

In this way, Breka will receive a space that citizens themselves helped shape – places for socializing, play, and rest, a symbol of togetherness and Sarajevo’s new urban energy.

The City of Sarajevo is determined to continue with similar projects that will transform Sarajevo into a more beautiful, inclusive, and sustainable city, through cooperation with citizens and the academia.