Emil Kolben Square: Prague 9 has announced a survey for the public
The surroundings of the O2 arena, as well as the whole of Vysočany, were a historic area full of factories. When the ČKD colossus went bankrupt and the factory buildings began to fall into disrepair, the dynamic construction of brownfields began, especially in offices and flats, which did not have a clear view or uniform direction.
Most similar localities have a problem with insufficient transport services, but this is not the case in Vysočany. Connection to the center is sufficient, there is a subway, trams and buses. The problem, however, is the patency, which is deplorable and most Praguers around O2 prefer to avoid it. “The place is close to the subway with great development potential, but it is hidden behind a high opaque fence and does not react to its surroundings, ”Explains Jan Jarolím (ODS), Deputy Mayor of the Prague 9 District District responsible for territorial development.
City of short distances
Prague 9 wants to adjust the whole area, it would like to see the new center of the city district, so it had an urban study prepared by the Qarta architecture studio. “We have a chance to build a real city of short distances, which combines opportunities for living, work and entertainment. At the same time, we would like to build a new center here with a square, school and other public functions, “says the mayor of Prague 9 Tomáš Portlík (ODS).
An urban study by Qarta architecture addresses an area of approximately 180,000 square meters, the architects designed apartment buildings with about 3,500 apartments, in addition to a new kindergarten, school and other civic amenities. “The place has very good transport links, there is a subway, trams and train. A job center should be set up around these hubs, closer to the park around Rokytka, housing construction should follow, ”said architect Jiří Řezák from the Qarta architecture studio.
The land is owned by a total of about 6 different owners, so that the city district has a better bargaining position, it wants to buy part of the land. Specifically those currently owned by Howden CKD Compressors. Some buildings in the area have already begun to be built, for example, in the former parking lot, Syner is building a ten-story building with offices.
survey
The city district wants the public to cooperate as much as possible in the development of the area and especially in the future shape of the square, which should be named after Emil Kolben. That’s why she prepared survey, in which Praguers can comment not only on the future form of the new deputybut also, for example, whether the city district should seek to purchase part of the land. In other questions, citizens can express what facilities would suit them. You can choose from a modern art center, a community garden or a cinema. They can also liken the future to some of the foreign cities such as Copenhagen, Paris or Milan.
Although most Prague residents live nearby to revitalize the site, there are also concerns, especially about the lack of poor infrastructure parking spaces. “Build at least one proper parking house here exclusively for residents, otherwise you can go with bold plans, “Marek S. doesn’t take the napkins.” And the cars will float. It is already unbearable. Sokolovská and Kolbenova učpaná. Make the right trips then build your nonsense, “Ester V joined Mark. But many locals welcome the survey and are looking forward to the change. “Thanks for the survey, I’ll be happy to fill it out. I hope that more greenery will be added as part of the transformation, “concludes Karlolína V.
The new Vysočany center will be built around the O2 arena. The square is named after Emil Kolben
Author: Qarta architecture