Open call : Český Brod squares, Czechia

Concours Site Internet https://cceamoba.cz/en/competitions/cbn Publié le 25/01/2024: Open call : Český Brod squares, Czechia

© WBA

The two-stage competition – organised by the Centre for Central European Architecture (CCEA MOBA) –will select a team to rethink the historic central area of the settlement which is located within the Kolín District of the Central Bohemian Region.
The project aims to create a ‘lively public space’ and re-establish Český Brod’s old town as a catalyst for ‘contemporary and respectful’ urban regeneration. The area features two squares, both located within a conservation zone, and features a range of landmark structures including the Church of Saint Gotthard and New Town Hall.
According to the brief: ‘Český Brod‘s double-square Arnošta z Pardubic and Husovo Square, which forms a large area covering most of the medieval area of the town, today lacks coherence and a representative value.
‘The potential of the square is currently not fully exploited and the town centre often appears empty and unattractive. It is thus necessary to breathe new life into the area and offer the citizens of Český Brod a place they enjoy going to and that they can be proud of.’
Český Brod is the second largest town in Czechia’s Kolin District and is home to around 7,400 inhabitants. Featuring many historic structures, the current old town area occupies the footprint of the town’s former fortifications.
Known as Arnošta z Pardubic and Husovo squares – the 21,700m² area is divided by a built-in row of houses, a church and a civic complex. The old town hosted many public events during the 19th century and today features a series of roads, several open green areas and car parking.
Key aims of the latest project include creating a pleasant environment for visitors and locals featuring a ‘diverse range of activities and places to be’ while also embodying ‘timelessness, quality and sustainability, both in material and conceptual terms.’
Judges will include Štěpánka Endrle, landscape architect and founder of the L&SCAPE studio; Eliška Málková, architect and co-founder of the Prague studio Taktika; Luboš Klabík, and municipal architect of Benešov and co-founder of the urban planning and architectural studio Tečka.