The competition for the shape of Wenceslas Square was won by the Cigler Marani studio

PRAGUE - The architectural competition for the future shape of Wenceslas Square in Prague was won by a proposal from the studio Cigler Marani Architects. The expert jury praised the study for its grounding in the history of the square while being contemporary and very sensitive. The jury decided unanimously in favor of the Cigler Marani studio, said its chairman Filip Dvořák to reporters today.
The proposal adds a second row of trees to the square, while the center of the area remains open for a pedestrian promenade or tram line. The sidewalks are being widened, and parked cars would disappear from the square according to the proposal. The study also limits the number of stalls. The statue of Saint Wenceslas and the building of the National Museum continue to dominate the space.
According to architectural historian and jury member Zdeněk Lukeš, the Cigler Marani studio's study showed great respect for the space. "It was clear that the architects carefully studied the entire history of the square," said Lukeš. He personally liked that it did not address details, such as what a bench or phone booth should look like, but focused comprehensively on the entire space.
The proposal from Cigler Marani Architects won in competition against 29 studios, four of which advanced to the finals. The jurors stated that all were of high quality. They emphasized the quality of the winning proposal, whose authors will receive one million crowns, by not awarding a second place. Tied for third place and each receiving 250,000 crowns were three proposals. The jury also granted six awards of 40,000 crowns each.
Lukeš immediately called architect Jakub Cigler after the winner was announced; he was reportedly in shock and asked what he should do. Lukeš told him to celebrate.
According to the mayor's deputy Jan Bürgermeister, the modifications to the lower part of the square could take place in three to four years. Private investors could participate in them. The change in the appearance of the upper part of the square depends on the transfer of the north-south boulevard behind the museum and the construction of underground garages.
The deputy recalled that the removal of the road in front of the museum building must precede the commissioning of the external and internal bypass on the northwest side of the city. This means that modifications to the area could best begin in five to six years and would last about a year.
The estimated costs for the change in appearance of the square are between 100 and 200 million crowns, and the transfer of the boulevard is estimated at 450 million crowns. The underground garages should be built by a private investor. Thus, the center of Prague will become a large construction site for about a year. "I think it’s worth it," noted Bürgermeister.
Among the competition proposals were also some curiosities. These include plans to introduce a cable car to the square or a horse-drawn carriage for tourists. One of the studies proposed moving the statue of Saint Wenceslas closer to the museum building. There were also studies that turned the square into a parking lot.