Lead Dušan 2011 - Atelier Hájek - Hulín

Theme
The connection of Holešovice, Karlín, and the island of Štvanice is the third of the semester assignments that examine the theme of researching the potential of specific "non-places" in the city space. We focus on systematically investigating the limits of these locations, where all students of the studio work on the same task but each with their own program. This program invariably draws from the differing potentials of the places it connects.

Studio Work
Consultations took place for half the semester according to a pre-established schedule, and the second half was conducted collectively at the school and virtually on individual blogs. Although each student works on their own task, emphasis is placed on teamwork in the studio. The semester projects were concluded with a public defense in front of a "jury" composed of external experts.

Presentation of Works
The studio emphasizes a high level of project presentation. In addition to drawings and visualizations, a physical model and a digital presentation on a publicly accessible blog are required. Presentations in this form are not self-serving but serve for a deeper understanding of the designed space, place, atmosphere, and the connections between material objects. It is a very valuable tool for teamwork and allows for much more intense feedback.

Assignment: “BRIDGE” Holešovice / Karlín

The city of Prague has a number of places that are almost adjacent to each other yet function separately. They are separated by a river, topography, or infrastructure. One example is the neighborhoods of Holešovice and Karlín. We offer for examination their connection across the Vltava River at the location of Štvanice Island. Solutions can vary: a bridge as a house, a viewing walkway, a ferry, a cable car …

Students explored various options for connecting Holešovice and Karlín to Štvanice Island (for example, via a walkway, square, gallery, cable car, balloon, ferry, or a settlement of fishing huts). The aim was to investigate and propose a connection between both banks of the Vltava River in a way that would give this place new significance. The functional content corresponded to the needs of the place and was based on analyses. Each student thus had the opportunity to explore their own alternative in their project.

More at http://hatelier.blogspot.com/

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Jury Commentary:
The strategy of a single assignment for the entire studio proves to be very effective: paradoxically, it strengthens the individuality of the students, who refine their opinions through mutual confrontation. Unlike broader relationships, the emphasis here is placed on developing creative abilities and imagination. The designs are brought to a uniform level of processing: visualizations and plans complement substantial physical models.