The unsightly and neglected space under Hlávký most in Prague 7 is a thing of the past. The municipality opened a new sports field here this week, informed the Press Release. This is the second similar space that has been given new life – the first was the derelict space of the Vltavská public transport station. According to the councillors, the main advantage is the fact that it can be used in any weather and 24 hours a day.

The underpass is located on the left bank of the Vltava at the foot of the Hlávka bridge. The work took place from June to November of this year. The multifunctional sports field that has grown here can function independently of the season, weather or time of day. In addition, it does not disturb the flow of the movement of people who are only passing through here.

The space was sufficiently cleaned, the surfaces of mobile phones were replaced, the placement of typical elements for a sports street spot and installation “saving ambient lighting with remotely adjustable intensity and interval lighting for different seasons and times of day”. The reconstructions, similar to the first modification, came from the designs of Richard Preisler and Martin Kontra, the project was prepared by U/U Studio.

“We have obstacles and off-road elements for skateboarding, BMX, and this time we also put the emphasis on scooter riders, who are sometimes a little forgotten in similar spots. In the next part of the subway, there is a quiet zone with suspended benches for resting and sharing places together, and offset panels near the views from the subway provide an interesting space for a curated street art gallery.” reported co-authors Richard Preisler and Martin Kontra.

They didn’t forget to mention the subway’s patron saint, Ollie the concrete pig. “Subway users can scan a QR code from the piggy bank and send a donation to help people in need,” commented on the imaginative element.

The change of the mass premises also received an award

As it seems, this is a successful project not only among the public, but also in the area of ​​the professional architectural community. The first modified Vltavská subways also received recognition in the form of a nomination among the 29 best buildings of last year as part of the Czech Architecture Award and received an honorable mention at the Architects’ Grand Prix – National Architecture Award.

“Building public sports fields in the city that are accessible all year round, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and also completely free of charge, is a unique feat in itself. Especially in places that would otherwise just let go and decay and create only impassable dead zones.” announced the opening by the mayor of Prague 7, Jan Čižinský (Prague itself).

This is already the second reconstructed subway in this way, while the one on Vltavská is being watched very quickly – according to the deputy mayor of all city districts, Hana Třeštíková – it has entered the consciousness of local athletes of all age groups.

“Adults, teenagers and children come here to skateboard, BMX or scooter, play basketball or just stretch on the bar on their way to work or school. Throughout the summer and autumn, various events organized free of charge for the general public – workshops took place here.” she said.

We interviewed the candidate for mayor in the autumn elections, Jan Čižinský, in Conversation, where he got closer to the perception of the people of Prague and what plans Prague has for itself. You read the article here.