Glenn Howlles, founder of Howells: Riverside is transforming Novi Sad through sustainable urbanism and modern architecture

In a conversation with the architect on the project and the founder of the Howells company, Glenn Howlles, we learn more about his vision for the "Riverside" project in Novi Sad, the challenges of transforming industrial zones, and how this project fits into global urban trends..

How do you see the importance of the Riverside project for Novi Sad, not only in terms of architecture, but also in the context of urban life?

- Riverside is not just another construction project, more an invitation to live by the river, in an environment that combines functionality, openness and beauty. Novi Sad is a city with extraordinary potential, and a project like this is an opportunity to transform that potential into urban space which encourages togetherness, inclusiveness and new dynamics in the daily life of citizens. With an investment worth EUR 150 million, the project includes the construction of 70,000 m2, 80% of which are residential, while the remaining 20% will be commercial units. Besides, one of the project`s special qualities is that Novi Sad will get a new urban part of the city with play and leisure facilities, including two large public squares, a pedestrian street and new cultural, commercial and sports facilities, including kindergartens for the youngest. Our goal is to create a space where everyone has direct access to the river, which further connects urban development with the natural environment.

How did you approach the master planning of a former industrial zone in a regional context?

- Our approach to master planning always starts with the people. We work in London, Birmingham and other cities in the UK which have undergone similar transformations, where we transformed post-industrial spaces into vibrant districts. We apply the same principles in Novi Sad: integration with natural resources such as the river, reliance on pedestrian and bicycle paths, by creating public squares and cultural points, and above all with great attention to the local context. "Riverside" is a project that will contribute to creating new public amenities that were lacking in this part of the city.

By opening up the river bank through pedestrian and bicycle connections, greener public areas and better walkability of the space, "Riverside" is expected to bring significant, measurable improvements in the health, well-being and quality of daily life of the residents of Novi Sad, but also to visitors and commuters.

(Photo: Aleksandar Group)

Which project elements are most in line with contemporary urban trends?

- These are primarily the opening of the city to the river, creating public areas truly accessible to all, then multifunctionality, which implies housing, recreation, work and culture all combined in one place. In addition, green infrastructure is being invested in – parks, sports grounds, children`s facilities, and even padel. Within the complex, Aleksandar Group also secured a donation of 100 million dinars for the improvement of sports facilities, including an outdoor gym, park furniture and football, basketball and volleyball courts. Also, over one hectare of land will be provided for green areas that will be expanded and preserved, making this project truly special and in accordance with the best world practices in urban planning.

Your studio is famous for projects such as London City Island, Royal Wharf, Paradise in Birmingham. How does Novi Sad fit in that map?

- Riverside has everything that large urban projects require, and that is a clear identity, a strong location, and the ambition to be relevant in the long term. I see it as a project that is on par with our works in London, not in size, but in its potential to change the way people perceive their city. Novi Sad, even though smaller than London or Birmingham, has exceptional resources that enable the creation of such an urban district. In cooperation with JP Urbanizam Novi Sad and other local partners, we want to create a space that not only meets contemporary urban needs, but also contributes to creating a better quality of life for all its residents.

What do you consider the biggest challenge, and what is the most beautiful part of working on this project?

- The biggest challenge was how to transform the current site into a functional and modern urban entity that will harmoniously fit into Novi Sad, providing new value to the community and creating room for the future growth and development of the city. And the most beautiful part, certainly, is the feeling of working on a project that has the potential to enrich people`s daily lives. With larger public areas, sports and cultural content, we create an environment that is not only economically functional, but also socially relevant. It`s a responsibility, but also a privilege – to create a place that will contribute to the quality of life in the long term.

Finally, what does "architecture of the future" mean for you?

- I believe that the architecture of the future strives for less formal expressiveness, but more to long-term sustainability and social relevance. It is an architecture that does not spend, but gives back and which does not divide, but rather connects. The project in Novi Sad was designed precisely in that spirit, as an inclusive urban entity that combines natural and built, private and public, local heritage and contemporary needs. We believe that this area will become the new gravitational core of a healthier, more connected lifestyle along the river..