UNESCO: Not like that! The design of the towers in Prague 3 must be reworked by Jiřičná
“Although this new UNESCO condition is very specific, all that remains is to respect it so that it can be built on the site. The buildings will be completely redesigned and designed in the form of city blocks with a great emphasis on greenery, public space and a living parterre with many small shops, services, restaurants and cafes, “said Kunovský.
The original project, which Central Group introduced two years ago, expected that approximately 1,000 flats would be built here for about six billion crowns. The lowest, of which it should have about 80 meters, on average about 90 meters, the highest should not exceed 100 meters. Central Group bought the building from Česká telekomunikační infrastruktura (CETIN) from the PPF Group in 2017.
A new place will be sought for the towers
At the intersection of Olšanská and Jana Želivského streets, a park with a water side and a work of art is to be created. Compared to the original design, there will also be rental apartments in the locality. “The studio of Eva Jiřičná and Petr Vágner is now working on developing a new concept for this project, so that this plan can be officially presented to politicians, authorities and the public by the end of the year and its discussions can begin,” Kunovský added.
According to Kunovský, the concept of undulating towers with original architecture and integrated greenery is so interesting and unique that the architect and the investor have agreed that together they will look for another suitable place for its implementation.
“We are already negotiating other places in Prague. But there are not many of them, because high-rise buildings are always very sensitive in the capital. If a suitable place in Prague is not found, then we have already received some offers to buy land in Brno or Bratislava. And if we don’t agree there either, we will look further abroad, “Kunovský added.
Chief architect of Westpoint
At the same time, Central Group announced today that Jiřičná will become the chief architect of the new Westpoint residential district in Prague 6. It will design eight apartment buildings there, including an entrance building with a vertical park. Kunovský stated that the site is now undergoing a process of changes to the zoning plan from a production function to a mixed function. “The project has the support of both the city district of Prague 6 and the Institute of Planning and Development and the Prague City Hall,” said Kunovský.
Architect Jiřičná is famous for her work with glass, metal and concrete. Its most famous buildings in Prague include the Orangery in Prague Castle and the Hotel Josef in the Old Town.
She also modified the interiors of the Dancing House. In London, where she emigrated after the occupation in August 1968, she designed, for example, the exhibition spaces of the Victoria and Albert Museum. She is a holder of the Order of the British Empire, was elected a member of the Royal Academy of Arts and inducted into the American Hall of Fame.