Zaha Hadid Architects’ Alta Tower in New Belgrade, Serbia, introduces a new standard for high-rise design with its striking, fluid facade. Rising 35 stories from a large podium, the tower integrates offices, residences, and public spaces, while its exterior emphasizes both movement and environmental performance. Vertical louvers extend across the facade, carefully oriented to filter sunlight, minimize thermal gain, and improve natural ventilation. The louvers create a dynamic rhythm of transparency and opacity, shaping interior light quality and connecting occupants visually to the city beyond.
The tower’s curving, vertically grained geometry gives it a rippling, sculptural profile, distinguishing it from neighboring high-rises. Glass panels paired with locally sourced construction materials form a modular system that enables precision fabrication while supporting sustainability goals. The podium terraces and gardens extend the building’s presence into the street, creating informal outdoor areas that connect the tower to pedestrians, cafés, and retail spaces.
Environmental considerations are central to the design. The facade’s responsive louvers allow the building to adapt to Belgrade’s continental climate, balancing solar protection with daylight penetration. Interiors benefit from enhanced natural light, while the tower’s envelope contributes to energy efficiency without compromising aesthetic elegance.
By combining sculptural form with functional environmental strategies, Alta Tower becomes a new vertical landmark. Its rippling facade signals the evolution of Belgrade’s skyline, offering a striking example of how architectural innovation and sustainability can coexist in urban high-rise design. 
Source: Zaha Hadid Architects with additional information added by Glass Balkan
