Community Center Buďánka

V 1st half of the 19th century, a workers' settlement named Buďánka arises above the Motol Stream, consisting of around 20 houses. Over time, it is engulfed by the developing urban layout, yet it remains in nearly intact condition. In the 1980s, it is decided that a complete demolition will take place, followed by the construction of panel houses. Most of the buildings are bought by the state, and an era of devastation begins. In 1991, it is declared a heritage zone, but nothing changes regarding the city's approach. Buďánka are deteriorating. In 2006, people from the surrounding area form a civic association that manages to initiate steps towards preservation.
A competition for a community center in the area is organized, which is to be located in the former grocery store. In 2016, the grocery store is reconstructed according to our design.
In 2017, an architectural workshop takes place here, based on which we develop the overall "Revitalization Manual for Buďánka".

Grocery Store
We support the dynamism of the house, its specific shape. We acknowledge that it was necessary to rebuild the upper floor, and therefore we propose to place new asymmetrically positioned window openings with distinctly contemporary window types on the facade. The display windows on the ground floor, on the other hand, are a reminiscence of the original deep display cases. We insert social facilities between the building itself and the retaining wall, allowing the interior spaces of the house to remain coherent. A beam ceiling and narrow stairs are inserted into the main volume. The ground floor with a bar counter functions as a café. The upper space is more variable, with benches featuring storage boxes lining the stairs, while opposite of them, folding tables are part of the solid railing. Art workshops, meetings, and yoga classes, for instance, take place here...

Manual
We uncover layers of the past, searching for the genius loci of the place. We determine the basic principles of revitalization: delimitation, connection, accessibility, gradual mutually responding development, functional diversity, and rules for protection, restoration, and new interventions.