Do you know the feeling? You spot a building in the skyline of a city and are magically drawn to it? That’s what happened to me when I saw the Genex Tower.
The Genex Tower is in Novi Beograd (New Belgrade), a district of socialist style. Here, in quarter block 33, concrete slab building follows concrete slab building follows concrete slab building. The Genex Tower stands taller than all of them, at 115 meters.
Interesting facts about the Genex Tower
The building was completed in 1980 and was constructed in Brutalism style. This architectural style had its heyday between the 1950s and 1960s. Characteristics of Brutalism are raw and unpolished materials which stayed unadorned even after construction was finished as well as buildings that were strictly functional and serving only their exact purpose. Unfortunately, this style is not considered attractive anymore. Many buildings decay, the Genex Tower, too, shows the ravages of time.
It is a 35 storey building with two wings. Each of them has a tubular annexe on their outer corner with side scuttles. The 26 storey south tower houses mostly offices, the 30 storey north tower holds mostly flats. A bridge at the 26th storey connects the towers. On the bridge on the southern end is an element that looks like a UFO. It was used as a restaurant that could rotate, but it was closed in 2013.
The name of the building references an old, state-owned Yugoslav import-export company.
Circling the building
We approach the Genex Tower via a residential area. I keep looking up. When does one get the best view of the building? Even from afar it is obvious that a lot would need to be done to improve the tower’s appearance again. This assessment becomes even clearer as we arrive at the very run down plaza around the tower. Only some of the tradespeople still inhabit the lower floors, the rest is empty. Everything is grubby and old.
But still, I find this building somewhat impressive. When I was looking for accommodation in Belgrade I had also seen a flat in the Genex Tower. It was on my wishlist for a long time and only got scratched because of the price. The view from the flat must have been fantastic, though. I would have loved to enter the tower to have a look at one of the flats – I wonder if the architect kept the style of the interior in line with the style of the exterior. Of course, I also would have visited the rotating restaurant. Too bad that this potential tourist magnet is closed.
Address:
Narodnih heroja 43,
Нови Београд,
Serbia
Melody Pittman
Belgrade is a place I know nothing about. Looks like a really beautiful place to visit. Thanks for the info and great architecture shots.
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
I love that you focused on one single building in this post, and you’re right, the area at the base of the tower makes it look abandoned. That is too bad that the restaurant closed, I’m sure the view would’ve been great!
Laura Pedlar
What an interesting post, I thought it was cool that you decided to find out more about this huge building. It’s good to find out about the history of the places you visit.
Yukti Agrawal
I never saw Brutalist architecture before reading your post. Genex tower looks interesting as it has been made from unpolished materials and still shows ravages of time. This piece looks unique piece in Belgrade.
Erica
I remember seeing buildings similar to this in Croatia, it´s not exactly my cup of tea, but definitely an interesting peak at soviet era architecture. I´m considering a trip to Serbia in April so I´ll definitely be on the lookout for the Genex tower!
Alison
The Brutalism style definitely doesn’t hold appeal for me but in a weird way, I can see what the attraction is. I wonder if they will revitalize the area, the Genex Tower and the restaurant. Too bad you didn’t get to see the view.
Mohana and Aninda
Brutalism intrigues me and I hear there are numerous buildings in that style in the erstwhile Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. I’d love to see more buildings as the Genex Tower.
Punita Malhotra
This is the first time I am hearing of a Brutalist style, defined by unpolished materials and strictly functional in purpose. As you mention part of its is residential too. Now I’m imagining the interiors.
Kavita Favelle
I’m often drawn to brutalist architecture, there’s something wonderfully unapologetic and brash about it that really resonates with me. Loving your introduction to the Genex Tower!
The Girl Next Door
The Genex Tower surely is magnificent! I can totally understand why you were so drawn to it. :)
I will make it a point to check out this gorgeous structure whenever I visit Belgrade.
Carol Colborn
Truly stands out. Never heard if brutalusm as an architectural style!