DBK Budějovická: It was opened 40 years ago, it was the first IKEA in Prague!
“Brutalism” in Prague is a clear symbol of the architectural style Kotva department store in the center, which is the work of the Machonin architects. however, another interesting feat from the same workshop is also House of housing culture in Budějovická, which has gone through various stages since its inception.
Roku 1968 was a study on the creation of the DBK commissioned by the architect Věra Machoninová, who was recommended by the former chief architect of Prague Jiří Voženílek. The concept of this area significantly affects planned metro station Budějovická, which started operating in 1974.
“According to the investor’s plan, DBK was to replace smaller stores in Prague and centralize the series offer of all housing assortment including additional household equipment and the provision of services, “states Petr Klíma’s publication entitled” Kotva Máje “.
The building was built for 9 years
The house of housing culture began to be physically built in 1972. Architect Machoninová designed a unique floor solution, which is connected alternately. So you will find vertically above each other particularly even AND extra odd floorswhich interconnect escalators. According to the current chairman of the DBK board, Miroslav Velfl, such a solution does not exist elsewhere in the Czech Republic. Part of the construction is also a much-discussed terrace in the past, which, based on period photographs, is clearly part of this building.
From the historical pictures it is evident that the terrace at DBK has been from the beginning of this building.
Author: DBK Archive
The building opened to the public 1981. Until the Velvet Revolution, furniture was sold here and the highest floors housed architects and arrangers, who complemented the on-site all services related to housing.
Coming abroad and critical period
After the revolution, the House of Housing Culture continued to sell furniture here, but leased more than half of the sales area world-famous furniture colossus IKEA. He stayed here for several years before these spaces were no longer sufficient. “It simply came to our notice then 1995 with the departure of IKEA. The house was half empty, it was after the coupon privatization and there was panic. There was no strategic plan to deal withMiroslav Velfl explained earlier to Bleska the beginning of a critical period for DBK.
Unique solution of individual floors in DBK in Budějovická.
Author: Daniel Vitous
It was necessary for this brutalist building to completely change its meaning. Otherwise, its gradual withering was inevitable, and it could be in danger of extinction. He became the savior of DBK “Ordinary” food. A grocery supermarket was established here in the second half of the 1990s – even before the arrival of large foreign chains. According to Miroslava Velfl, this brought immediate success.
Between 2005 and 2007, DBK underwent a major internal transformation. It was necessary for the building to receive its justification in the competition of the 21st century shopping center. That is why DBK is following in the modern history of history local center, which has no ambition to interfere with the Prague character. But he wants to remain indispensable for his immediate surroundings so that he can continue to live his own life.
CTU expert Karel Mikeš and DBK Chairman Miroslav Velfl on the situation in Budějovická in 2018:
CTU expert Karel Mikeš and DBK board chairman Miroslav Velfl on the current situation in Budějovická. Daniel Vitous
From the historical pictures it is evident that the terrace at DBK has been from the beginning of this building.
Author: DBK Archive