Petra Parléř Prize 2009: Praise of Small and Large Spaces

The monumental square of the Great Mostecká Strike, an as-yet unattractive, disorganized space in front of the train station in Poděbrady, and the courtyard of Štramberk Castle with Jaroňk's Lodge, have brought significant awards to the authors of proposals for their revitalization in this year's already seventh year of the Petra Parléř Prize. Three different types of spaces, varying in size, appeal, and history, not leading to extinction but rather to a better future. The architects here offer various possibilities to those who understand and take it as an opportunity.

Among the three mentioned, the Petra Parléř Prize for 2009 in the amount of 200,000 CZK goes to the proposal for the redesign of the space in front of and around the train station in Poděbrady, authored by MgrA. Bronislav Stratil and Ing. Mgr. art. Jan Roháč. “The proposal is a balanced work on many levels,” says competition jury member Ing. arch. Jaroslav Wertig, “From rational and pragmatic traffic solutions, through revitalizing the intention of the original urban concept, to an attractive design of the bus station that competes with other architectural 'highlifts' of Poděbrady. By economical means, it organizes urban spaces: block, courtyard, square. The solution of the underpass as a legitimate integral part of the city’s ground floor is very sympathetic. Aesthetic, intelligence, and sensitivity to scale create a harmonious balance. Thanks to this and to the cultivated way of presentation, the proposal was a significant favorite of this year’s Petra Parléř Prize.”

Second place, Hochtief a.s. Prize - Space for Life in the amount of 100,000 CZK for a comprehensive urban-architectural design for the redesign of the Great Mostecká Strike Square in Most goes to the author team consisting of Ing. Martin Truhlář, Ing. Irena Truhlářová, and Ing. Lenka Černochová. One of the jurors, Ing. arch. Ivan Hnízdil, evaluates the proposal, as does the entire jury, very positively: “The urban concept of the square space addresses the new construction sensitively and appropriately from today’s perspective while maintaining sufficient mutual distances between existing and proposed buildings so that their generosity and monumentality are not compromised. The architectural quality is also given by the choice of materials, in this case, wood, suitable for people to stay on the stairs, ramps, and wooden 'piers'. The jury particularly valued its complexity and the authors’ sensitive approach with respect for the values of 1970s architecture.”

Third place and the prize of 50,000 CZK were awarded to Ing. arch. Kamil Mrva and Ing. arch. Martin Rosa for an interesting urban-architectural solution for the upper courtyard area and the reconstruction of Jaroňk’s Lodge in Štramberk. In the official evaluation authorized by the jury, Ing. arch. Eva Špačková stated: “The authors free the upper courtyard space from extensions and canopies, retaining the monumentally protected structure of Jaroňk's Lodge, which will be restored to its original state and used as a ceremonial hall. The space for visitors will be expanded by building a new viewing terrace, which, by projecting it in front of the city walls, allows panoramic views from the courtyard to the surroundings... Between the lodge and the tower is a new intermediary space covered by glass roofing. By removing the extensions, there is an opportunity to walk around the tower and perceive its volume at the base... The jury appreciated the approach to the monument, which respects and accommodates the original historical object of the lodge while complementing the composition of the walls with new elements of contemporary expression.”

The jury consisted of Ing. arch. Milan Körner (chair), Ing. arch. Ivan Hnízdil, Ing. arch. Tomáš Hradečný, Ing. arch. Eva Špačková, Ing. arch. Jaroslav Wertig.

Seven cities were invited to the competition: Hlučín, Jihlava, Klecany, Most, Písek, Poděbrady, and Štramberk. For these assignments, 12 studies were submitted, involving 36 architects. The ceremonial award presentation will take place on September 23, 2009, in Prague.

> More information about the awarded proposals can be found on the website of the Society of Peter Parléř