Architectural-landscape challenge of the Karel Komárek Foundation has a winner

The Karel Komárek Transitional Foundation already knows who will prepare the architectural-landscaping proposal for the restoration of the park in Hodonín, which was damaged by a tornado, located in front of the U Červených domků Elementary School. The evaluation committee, which based its decision on careful consideration of predetermined criteria, selected a pair of architects. The work will be carried out in four phases of the project - from the development of the building study to authorial supervision - by Jitka Vágnerová and Radek Prokeš.

The Karel Komárek Transitional Foundation received proposals from a total of nine architectural studios from across the Czech Republic for the design. A five-member committee, which included two representatives of the foundation, two representatives of the city, and one independent judge, assessed the quality of reference works of a similar nature and the offered prices. At least one of the works had to have been realized already.

Ing. Jitka Vágnerová is a co-author of several projects in public spaces. She has participated in the restoration of the castle garden in Oslavany and the garden of the Panowsky villa in Ivančice. She strives to create adjustments tailored to the specific location, its residents, and historical context. She considers the functionality of public spaces very important. In her solutions, she takes into account rainwater management, barrier-free access, and maintenance requirements.

Ing. Radek Prokeš, Ph.D. designs both public and private spaces. In addition to his classic studies in landscape architecture and his subsequent doctorate, he completed a bachelor's degree in architecture, which gives him an important insight into building details. He is passionate about perennials and engages in both collection and scientific activities in this field. Radek Prokeš seeks projects that present a challenge and where he can apply his technical and technological expertise. Among other things, the architect contributed to the creation of a new cycling path Pod Vítkovem in Prague 3 and the design of a kindergarten garden in Stříbro.

The duo of architects will fulfill the goal of the Karel Komárek Transitional Foundation. This is to remedy the damage caused by the devastating tornado in the designated area while also creating a cultivated public space primarily intended for relaxation and leisure. The park in front of the U Červených domků Elementary School is part of the Bažantnice suburban forest area, which was devastated by a tornado at the end of June 2021.

“The biggest European disaster of 2021 represents an immense challenge for us from the outset and at the same time an opportunity to reconsider the entire area from an urban planning perspective. By selecting the studio that will now begin to develop the relevant proposal, we have achieved another important milestone in this project,” noted Luboš Veselý, appointed manager of the Karel Komárek Transitional Foundation.

In addition to the park in front of the elementary school, the foundation and the city of Hodonín are collaborating on three other projects. The extensive sports area and suburban forest park will also be renovated after the tornado, with plans for gradual planting and the addition of furnishings. The foundation is also assisting with the reconstruction of the House of Nature of Hodonín's Dúbravy, which will include a permanent exhibition. In all cases, there is close contact not only with the city but also with the public, communities, and experts.

More information about the projects in Hodonín's Bažantnice can be found on the website  https://bazantnicezije.cz/.