Plzeň announced an architectural competition for the new layout of the Republic Square

Plzeň - Plzeň has announced an architectural competition for the modification of the central Republic Square. The aim is to make the space more pleasant and potentially introduce previously missing trees. The lack of opportunities for pleasant meetings and relaxation, as well as traffic congestion, are the main reasons why people currently walk through the square and often have no reason to linger, said the Deputy Mayor Pavel Bosák (Pirates) today.

Contestants can submit their designs until September 30, and the jury will evaluate them in the second half of October. "After months of preparation, we have reached the stage where the architectural competition is officially announced and the competition conditions are published," Bosák said.

The proposal for the revitalization of one of the largest squares in Europe should establish a functioning area that lives daily, where people would want to come and those passing through would want to stop and stay. The medieval square, measuring 139 by 193 meters, is the most important and significant square in Plzeň, located in the city center, a designated heritage reserve, and hosts several significant monuments. Nevertheless, people merely pass through it and visit it almost exclusively for specific cultural events.

The proposed modifications should improve the stay quality and safety of the area, offer greater comfort and safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and zone the space so that new outdoor seating areas can be created, for example. At the same time, the central area should remain for hosting markets and cultural events, adjustments should ensure the flow of public transport, improve drainage conditions and water retention, add furniture, and place greenery.

According to Mayor Roman Zarzycký (ANO), experts will influence the final appearance of the square. "I believe that the final proposal will be worth it and thanks to it, trees will also be planted in the square," he noted. The jury is composed of leading experts in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. It includes representatives of the city, and advisors from heritage conservation, transportation, stormwater management, cultural event organizers, and notably, the Bishop of Plzeň, Tomáš Holub.

According to Irena Vostracká, director of the Concept and Development Department of the City of Plzeň, which is organizing the competition, the focus of the competition is the proposal for modifications to the peripheral profiles of the square, including Dřevěná Street. "In this area, we anticipate primary changes and possible construction modifications. The area of the square itself is then a secondary space for the solution, and a significant construction change or modification of the current state is not expected, apart from justified exceptions," she stated.