Saint-Gobain revealed the 5 winners of the 2026 Architecture Student Contest on June 29, 2026. More than 200 universities from 34 countries participated in the 21st edition of the international student competition. Students from all over the world imagined projects to transform a significant section of Belgrade’s Sava riverfront. The task was to develop a visionary Sports and Recreation Hub that revitalizes the former cement factory site and integrates the existing Academic Yachting Club Belgrade into a dynamic and sustainable public space. The contest continues to be a global platform for architecture students to address urban and environmental challenges through design.
Global Collaboration for Belgradeโs Sava Site
This 21st edition was organized by Saint-Gobain in Belgrade, Serbia, in close cooperation with the World Green Building Council, OneClick LCA, the City of Belgrade, the Academic Yachting Club Belgrade, the Serbia Green Building Council, and the Green & Blue Corridors Association. The brief challenged students to combine new construction and renovation while adapting to local environments. Proposals had to design spaces that enhance quality of life while preserving resources, aligning with Belgradeโs ambition to build a more resilient and sustainable future. Over two days in Belgrade, 250 students collaborated and presented concepts that balance functionality, community use, and environmental responsibility.
โIn Belgrade, 250 students have come together with one shared ambition: to imagine new ways of living in the city. After months of work and two days of collaboration, they have shown that rethinking urban spacesโmaking them more sustainable, inclusive, and inspiringโis not only necessary, but possible. The 21st edition of the Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest once again highlights the energy and commitment of a new generation of architects. These proposals reflect the complexity of todayโs challenges: combining new construction and renovation, adapting to local environments, and designing spaces that enhance quality of life while preserving resources. They also align with Belgradeโs ambition to build a more resilient and sustainable future. At Saint-Gobain, this vision is shared. For over 360 years, the Group has been committed to developing solutions that support more sustainable construction. And as cities continue to grow and evolve, the role of architects. This yearโs edition sends a clear message: a new generation is readyโready to take on the challenges of tomorrow and to help make the world a better home.โ Patrick Dupin Group Chief Operating Officer – Saint-Gobain .
5 Winners of the Architecture Student Contest
The jury announced five winning teams from across the globe. 1st prize went to Ceding the Sava, team South Africa. The project proposes a phased transformation of the riverfront, allowing the Sava to reclaim parts of the site while embedding sports and public functions. 2nd Prize was awarded to COEXISTENCE, team Portugal. The design layers ecological restoration with recreational infrastructure, creating shared spaces for people and nature on the former industrial land. 3rd Prize went to The bird’s nest, team France. The concept uses elevated, lightweight structures to reduce ground impact and maximize open public areas along the river.
The Student Prize was given to Meandering Confluence, team China. The proposal traces water and urban flows to create a winding public spine that links the Academic Yachting Club with new community and sports facilities. The Teacher Prize went to The Sava Thread, team Morocco. It stitches the site together with pedestrian networks, modular programs, and renewable systems to enable flexible, sustainable use. Each of the five projects responded to the functional and user needs of the brief while increasing focus on environmental aspects, including Life Cycle Assessments.
21 Editions of Shaping Sustainable Design
The Architecture Student Contest was launched in Serbia in 2004. This is its 21st edition. A whole generation of students have now participated in the Contest and is shaping the future of sustainable architecture to make the world a better home. Every year, the projects have increased their focus on environmental aspects including for example Life Cycle Assessments, while responding to the functional and user needs. The contest has become a key reference for how young architects approach climate, context, and community in their work. The Belgrade edition reinforces the importance of designing public spaces that are inclusive, resilient, and resource-conscious.
With 250 students from 34 countries, the 2026 Architecture Student Contest sends a clear message about the next generation of architects. The proposals for the Sava riverfront show how new construction and renovation can work together to revitalize urban sites. By integrating the existing Academic Yachting Club Belgrade and focusing on sports, recreation, and sustainability, the winning teams addressed both local identity and global design challenges. For over 360 years, Saint-Gobain has been committed to developing solutions that support more sustainable construction. This yearโs edition confirms that students worldwide are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow and help make the world a better home.
Image Courtesy: Saint-Gobain
