Pardubice announced a narrower competition for a new elementary art school

Pardubice – Pardubice has announced a narrower architectural competition for the design of a new building for the elementary art school. The winner could be announced in the fall. The school for four art disciplines will be located in Polabiny, the largest residential area of the regional city. Up to 1,200 students will attend it. The current school has small spaces and classes are held in seven different buildings, the city hall stated in a press release.

"The new arts school will offer teaching in all four subjects, namely dance, music, fine arts, and literature-drama, and it should also provide social spaces for organizing cultural events,” said Deputy Mayor Jakub Rychtecký.

The arts school in Polabiny has been operating since 1969. Over time, the literary-drama field was added to the music, fine arts, and dance disciplines. Children's education takes place in four buildings scattered throughout the residential area and three other separate workplaces. This complicates not only the work of educators but also cooperation between the individual fields. "And of course, this situation also hinders the natural development of the school. It should be, in addition to its educational function, a new natural cultural and social center of Polabiny,” said school principal Jiří Kabát.

The new building will be located in Polabiny I on city-owned land, which will become available once the Basic and Practical School Svítání moves out after completing the renovation of its building on Klášterní Street. The competition proposals must respect the economic possibilities of the city, which anticipates that the total costs will be around 220 million crowns excluding VAT.

The proposal should include a multifunctional hall with a stage for at least 200 people and a café with a small stage. A sufficiently large entrance area for the building with facilities for parents is also a requirement. Architects are also to propose a garden and its use.

Interested participants must submit an application to the city by May 11, including a portfolio of reference works. A maximum of eight candidates who best meet the participation conditions will then be invited by the city hall to prepare and submit competition proposals, which must be submitted by July 25. The jury will evaluate the proposals in the second half of August.