Prague will develop a concept for the modifications of the settlement Baba

Prague – The villa colony Baba in Prague’s Dejvice will be protected from uncoordinated changes by a new conceptual study. The city council approved its preparation today. The study is being developed by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR). It will serve as a basis for changing the existing zoning decision to allow adjustments to public spaces while considering the original appearance at the time of construction. The settlement was established as a villa colony during the First Republic and was built as one of six in Europe. It is among important monuments awarded the European Heritage label.

"We have long been preparing a study that would address public spaces and infrastructure in an area that is relatively neglected in terms of public spaces," said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček (TOP 09) today. According to Hlaváček, the conceptual study will enable the coordination of future projects in this functionalist villa colony. The settlement requires, for example, the renewal of underground utilities, such as sewage and water supply, or the improvement of sidewalk and road surfaces.

Landscape architects and heritage care experts will also participate in enhancing public spaces and preserving the historical value of the area. "The Baba settlement was established as a villa colony during the First Republic. It is unique in that only six such colonies were created in Europe at that time. Therefore, the involvement of landscape architects and conservation experts, who can sensitively propose changes that enhance the area without compromising its historical value, is an important step," stated Jiří Pospíšil, chairman of the United Forces for Prague Club (TOP 09 and STAN).

IPR will announce a tender for the team that will draw up the conceptual study for the future development of the site. According to city hall spokesman Vít Hofman, this should take place in May this year. The team will include an architect, traffic engineer, landscape architect, and water management engineer.

The Baba settlement was built as one of six European colonies initiated by the artistic group Werkbund. In April of this year, the Baba settlement was added to the list of significant monuments with the designation of European Heritage. This happened as part of the multinational nomination Werkbund Estates in Europe, which includes Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria. The settlement consists of 33 houses and was declared a city heritage zone in 1993.