Prague joins Copenhagen and Malmö. Until recently, the dark subway on the Vltava was inhabited by skaters
From the synergistic triangle of Martin Kontra and Richard Preisler from Re_place, Deputy Mayor of Prague 7 Hana Třeštíková and architects from Letná U / U Studia, the project of rebuilding the repulsive underpasses at Hlávek Bridge in a public space with skateboarding elements flourished. The conversion follows a trend in cities such as Copenhagen or Malmö, where there is even the position of city skat coordinator. Skateboarding is thus becoming an active urban factor in Prague as well.
“Overhead crossings were created on the highway, since then this subway has definitely started to go away and people were afraid to walk here. We were approached to implement skateboarding and a multifunctional sports ground here and thus light up it here, “describes the genesis of the idea Martin Hrouda from U / U Studies.
Not only the imaginary new purpose but also the newly installed lighting shines on the smooth concrete with color graphics by Jakub Karlík. In addition to obstacles for skateboarding, there is also a place for a streetball basket, a boulder wall with a crossbar and benches for sitting in a circular amphitheater.
“The benefit of skateboarding in public space is mainly community life, which will bring natural social control to that place. It’s also a free street show. People can see athletes performing tricks. Skateboarding is a piece of art on the move, ”explains Hrouda of the effects of freestyle sports in urban areas. Of course, the underpass continues to serve as a road for pedestrians and cyclists, so it will also be a matter of building mutual consideration to prevent collisions and injuries.
For U / U Studio, the work usually ends with the submission of the contract, but in the case of Vltavská, it is planned with a bistro and a spring cultural program that will deliver a strike from the nearby Fuchse 2 / Bike Jesus. And if all goes well, the adjacent subway could be converted.
What does the process of implementing skateboard elements in urban public space look like? How can skateboarding contribute to site safety? And what is the response of the newly opened skate spot on Vltavská? Listen to the whole conversation.