A competition for the design of the Blanka tunnel outlet is being prepared

Prague - Artists and architects are to help find a new look for the concrete exhaust in Nad Octárnou street near Prague Castle. The bulky tube, which vents exhaust from the Blanka tunnel complex, is nine meters wide and rises to a height of 24 meters. Local residents prefer its greening, said Deputy Mayor Martin Polách (ANO) on the Prague 6 website.
    During the construction of the Blanka tunnel, which is part of the city ring in Prague, builders sought an elevated location in the section Prašný most - Malovanka so that the outlet would divert exhaust from the homes. Originally, the tube was to be 15 meters high, the same as the cornice of the neighboring house. "Local residents negotiated with the investor to increase the structure by nearly 10 meters for better dispersion of the exhaust," Polách stated. It was also the reason why the original architectural design of the tube, prepared by Czech-Argentinian artist Federico Díaz, was abandoned.
    "Prague 6 perceives this technical object as a challenge to create an interesting public space, where this technical monument could be visually highlighted, but it also wants to respect the demands of the locals," the deputy mayor said. Fresh ideas will receive space, both from professionals and the general public. A similar concrete cylinder also stands in Prague 7 on Nad Královskou oborou street.
    The construction of the Blanka tunnel has been accompanied by a number of issues. Prague is suing the contractors over it. The tunnel, which including the connection to the Strahov tunnel will cost 43 billion crowns, should open in mid-September after repeated delays.