Český Krumlov – Centre Horní Brána
The new civic centre of Český Krumlov is being built in the district of Horní Brána that has been marked by inappropriate traffic interventions. The area is home to several important civic buildings, although these are scattered randomly and access to them is more driver-friendly than pedestrian-friendly. The current situation is not compatible with the model of a functional city and the idea of a pleasant space of human scale. However, the site offers valuable panoramic views of the historic centre, for which people are willing to travel halfway around the world.
| Project: | Centre Horní Brána |
| Competition result: | 2nd place |
| Authors: | Pavel Hnilička, Petr Bočan |
| Collaboration: | Marie Záhorová, Terezie Mervartová |
| Cooperation: | Magdaléna Myšková Kaščaková, Josef Filip |
| Client: | The city of Český Krumlov |
| Solved area: | 6 ha |
| Year: | 2023 |
The scale of the new centre draws inspiration from the “old” town and connects the solitary buildings into a diverse urban structure. The clearly defined edges around the new square create a dignified space worthy of the size of the town.
The attractiveness of public spaces and the lively ground floor of the buildings encourage the locals and passersby to stay and linger both during ordinary days as well as while enjoying festive events and markets.
All this with the ubiquitous visual connection to the historic skyline of Český Krumlov – a legacy left for us by past generations.
The basic urban planning idea of our proposal is to define the center of gravity of the new city center.
Its location at the intersection of Objížďková and Nemocniční streets is based on the existing routes
that connect the location with the surrounding area and the historic core. In our proposal we are
modifying the traffic intersection and putting a "protective block" of buildings in its northern part. Along
with the newly designed masses it then clearly defines the space of the new square on three of its
sides.
In the western part, the space then opens up into a green belt with a view of the local castle.
The edges of the houses and the greenery of the square are purposefully shaped to enhance this
unparalleled view and not to disturb it in any way. The diverse architecture of the buildings and their smaller scale guarantee the square's friendliness
and livability
