Michal Šiška: social housing (not only) for Roma in Kutná Hora

Jury's evaluation: The house proposal attempts to capture the requirements for the specific conditions of social housing for Roma. At the same time, it responds very well to the genius loci of the historic town. The jury also appreciates the use of strong expressive means. The author has effectively utilized a traditional form that gains significant strength in the given location. The clear concept relates not only to the design of the building but also to the urban planning solution.

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I propose social housing for Kutná Hora. Based on the analysis of the problem, I find three locations in the city
for three different housing standards and three different lifestyles of the target groups.
I believe that we must help these people to be themselves.
I perceive my work only as the architectural part of the overall solution that needs to be addressed.
Architecture does not provide answers to the most important questions.

1
A tenement house in the center of the city.
Social mix to revive the dull center. For those Roma who wish to distance themselves from their "complex family."
Starter apartments, apartments for street workers, social housing, "starter offices." A fireplace in every apartment.
A palace of the powerless. Rough constructions, decent durability and resistance, minimum detailing.
Inspired by the simplicity, practicality, obviousness, and assertiveness of Baroque buildings, especially Jesuit colleges.
The house elevates the gallery from a necessary communication space to a meeting and living area.

2
Archaic typology of single-story atrium houses around the "lighthouse" - the seat of institutions working with and for the Roma. In close connection to the Vrchlice river.
Instead of a living room with a television, there is dance, sky, and community.
The complex does not have to be inhabited exclusively by Roma; the individual "courtyards" allow for use by various "sets" of people - of different ethnicities and social statuses.
Buildings constructed autonomously (adjusted working hours and supervision), the design accounts for simple technologies (straw) and unskilled labor.

3
The work only hints at the concept.
In the words of M. Foucault, it should be about "reducing the usefulness of delinquency" here, not re-educating according to our ideas.
A circular embankment outside the city made of transported earth (which can serve as a dumping ground) open towards the river,
uncompromisingly defining the limits of the area. Tents, caravans, and fires. Near the fire station.
For those who do not want to settle down, integrate, or leave.