Prague 2 selected the best conceptual designs for the modification of Karlovo náměstí

Prague - Prague 2 has selected the best conceptual designs for the modification of Karlovo náměstí (Charles Square). The selection committee did not award a first prize, as no project impressed them sufficiently. This was stated today by the representative of the mayor, Václav Vondrášek (ODS). The proposals are merely conceptual and will not be used for actual construction. People can view them from December 23 to February 1 at the New Town Hall.
    "Some propose a complete reconstruction of the square, while others keep it almost in its current form," said Vondráček. According to deputy mayor Eva Paulová (ODS), none of the proposals addressed the issues of Karlovo náměstí comprehensively, which is why they decided not to award a first prize.
    The proposal from architects Vladimír Štulc, Jan Vrána, and Kryštof Štulc, which ranked the highest at second place, includes plans for limiting traffic along the square, building a café, kiosk, and children's playgrounds.
    Prague 2 attempted to modify Karlovo náměstí several years ago, but the effort met resistance from local residents who opposed the cutting down of trees in the square. The city hall of the second district now wants to better communicate with the public and will hire a private company to organize meetings with residents. However, representatives of Prague 2 also expect opposition from heritage protectors. "Some time ago, they sent us a letter stating that almost nothing should be changed there," Vondrášek pointed out.
    Conclusions from the discussions could be known by spring, according to Vondrášek. If all parties find an acceptable solution for the modification of the square, the city hall will announce an architectural competition for specific proposals. Vondrášek fears that the second city district will not have enough money for the reconstruction of the square. "We plan to negotiate this with the municipality," he said.
    Prague 2 announced the conceptual competition in June and received a total of 22 competition proposals. It awarded second and third prizes and recognition to five additional proposals.
    The park at Karlovo náměstí was designed at the end of the 19th century by landscape architect and director of Prague's parks and gardens, František Thomayer, the brother of the well-known doctor Josef Thomayer. The architect unified the entire square and planted rows of resilient deciduous trees along its perimeter.
    The city hall has previously stated that it considers building underground garages, but the park should remain untouched. The underground parking spaces would be in the area of the former Jesuit college, in front of the Church of St. Ignatius.