The architectural studio ARHINGinženjering from Podgorica has been awarded the prestigious Ranko Radovic Award for 2025. The recognition is for their project, the Hadrovica Mosque, located in Drac, Podgorica, which was completed in 2024. The jury commended the project for its architectural significance, contextual sensitivity, and modern expression.
The design team behind this notable project includes Rifat Alihodžić, who served as the responsible architect, alongside colleagues Jasmina Salković, Elvira Muzurović, and Branko Rabrenović. The jury was chaired by Professor Grozdana Šišović, alongside fellow members Professor Zoran Abadić and Professor Đorđe Alfirević.
Recognition Ceremony Scheduled
The award ceremony for the Ranko Radovic Award and the opening of an exhibition featuring participants of the competition will take place on December 22, 2025, at 12:00 at the Ilija M. Kolarac Foundation in Belgrade. In addition to recognizing ARHINGinženjering, the jury made further distinctions in various categories reflecting the importance of contemporary architectural practices.
In the category for critical-theoretical texts on architecture and urbanism, the award was unanimously given to Milan Prosen, an associate professor and art historian, for his monograph titled “Palata Srpske akademije nauka i umetnosti,” published by the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in 2024. The jury was led by Dr. Dijana Milašinović-Marić with members Professor Ana Nikezić and Dr. Sanja Simonović-Alfirević.
Furthermore, the Ranko Radovic Award for television programs, exhibitions, or multimedia presentations was awarded to the creative team behind “Rasplitanje: Novi prostori.” This project was part of the Pavilion of the Republic of Serbia at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – Venice Biennale, which ran from May 10 to November 23, 2025. Award recipients include Davor Eres, Jelena Mitrović, Igor Pantić, Professor Sonja Krstić, Professor Ivana Najdanović, both fashion designers, and Petar Lausović, a research associate. The jury for this category consisted of Professor Aleksandra Pešterac, Docent Vladimir Kovač, and Docent Ivan Šuletić.
Significance of the Award
The Ranko Radovic Award is one of the most significant recognitions in architecture, urbanism, and architectural theory within the region. This year’s awardees highlight the breadth and relevance of contemporary architectural production, encompassing completed projects, theoretical work, and innovative exhibition formats.
The award ceremony and accompanying exhibition at the Ilija M. Kolarac Foundation are expected to attract numerous architects, theorists, researchers, and cultural representatives. The importance of this year’s event is amplified by the international visibility of the projects recognized as significant contributions to modern architecture.
Rifat Alihodžić previously explained to the construction portal gradnja.rs that the Hadrovica Mosque is strategically located at the intersection of four streets in the geographical center of Drac, making it a fitting site for a religious structure. Notably, the location once housed a mosque dating back to the Ottoman era, which was demolished in 1956 during a period of ideological conflict between the communist authorities and religion.
Alihodžić noted that the systematic destruction included excavation of much of the original foundation and the loss of extensive documentation, with only one photograph of a façade remaining. Consequently, the urban plan adopted in the early 21st century called for the construction of a new mosque at the historical site, rather than a reconstruction of the former structure.
The recognition of the Hadrovica Mosque and other award-winning projects underscores a commitment to architectural innovation and cultural heritage preservation in the region.
