Re-Imagining Morača River

The Morača River is central to Podgorica’s identity, shaping its geography, culture, and urban form. Flowing from northern mountains through canyons to Lake Skadar, the river’s landscapes hold rich natural and cultural heritage that anchor local memory. Yet as Podgorica evolves into a modern metropolis, the riverfront requires a holistic strategy to align ecological resilience with cultural vitality and innovation. Our Strategic Rejuvenation Framework sets three goals: Fostering Local Culture & Identity through ecological linkages, heritage preservation, and reimagined public spaces; Nurturing a Healthier, Resilient Future with sustainable neighborhoods, nature-based solutions, and inclusive amenities; and Stimulating Innovation by creating mixed-use districts, incubators, and adaptive economies. Each goal is advanced through a “Catalogue of Actions” and demonstrated in catalytic urban projects, from transforming Njegošev Park into a cultural hub, to model sustainable neighborhoods, to a riverfront innovation district. Together, these strategies position Podgorica as a cultural, sustainable, and globally connected city.