Results of the architectural competition "Cities Without Smog"

However, it was not a classic concrete, but concrete containing TX Active technology. It is a unique, eco-friendly building material that accelerates the breakdown of impurities through natural light. On the day of the voting deadline, a total of 166 competition proposals were reviewed by a jury of prominent figures in the arts, and their previews can be seen at www.bezsmogu.cz .

After careful selection and mutual agreement, the following main prize winners were announced on Wednesday:

1st place and a prize of 50,000 CZK went to Ing. arch. Václav Kocián and MgA. Natalie Chalcarzová for their design “EKOAZA”

“Ekoaza is a monumental work inspired by nature and technique. It aims to engage, attract, inform the public about TX Active technology, and above all, offer a peaceful oasis and a new space. TX Active materials, with their self-cleaning properties and ability to break down harmful substances in the air, evoke the capabilities of nature and plants themselves. The photosynthesis of plants is essential for life on earth. Interaction with the design: Ekoaza can be entered and experienced directly. Entering Ekoaza creates a pleasant feeling of being in the shade of trees and captivates with the play of light filtering through
the treetops. Ekoaza also offers space for promotional, cultural, and other events.”

2nd place and a prize of 20,000 CZK went to Iveta Kolláriková, Marta Bímová and Vlado Hrivňák for their design “MONOBLOCK”

“Architecture is alive. Monoblock is alive. A demonstration of a pure, functional, and aesthetically interesting element – that is Monoblock. A bench? A fountain? An info point? How about all of that together and a bit of each? Monoblock can be placed practically anywhere. This urban furniture offers a diverse palette of utilization options. The gentle integration of Monoblock into the architectural environment clearly shows that even a block can breathe urban lifestyle. Let yourself be swept away by the activity of nature. Sunbeams will scorch the Monoblock, while the TX Active technology will 'blow away' part of the harmful gases for you. The cleanliness and simplicity of the execution of the individual elements will ensure their timelessness. Unblock your daily worries, take a deep breath of clean air. Merge with Monoblock into a cohesive whole and absorb the atmosphere of urban
life.”

3rd place and a prize of 10,000 CZK went to Mgr. Jan Střelec with Ing. Petr Novosad for their design “TijO Choroš”

Concrete glowing choroš with the addition of TiO2
“This cute concept is inspired by nature. Just like real choroše (Polyporus) living on tree trunks, our concrete casts can be found randomly scattered across the concrete expanses of urban jungles. The structure of TijO Choroš consists largely of concrete with a prescribed mixture containing titanium dioxide, which positively affects the cleanliness of its surface. In the shadows, the choroš attracts the attention of passersby (not just females) with a pulsating colorful light spectrum emanating from its fruiting body (that's the lower part) through optical fibers and an internal light source. Unlike organic choroše, TijO Choroš does not parasitize its surroundings, but rather elegantly complements it with its presence.”

Great inventiveness and wit were also recognized in three competition proposals, which were awarded a special prize.
The sponsor's prize went to “6cells - green pavement for the city” by Šárka Doležalová and “Kultivar” by Barbora Mikitová and Pavel Buryška.
The prize from the General Director of Českomoravský cement, a.s. went to Michal Šírek for “Air- Clean Bridge”.

The last three expected winners consist of proposals that received the highest number of points in the online voting. In a live broadcast on April 13, 2011, around 11:15 AM, the voting was stopped and the computer displayed the winning names:
1. Public Prize and a reward of 15,000 CZK for “Lungs of Ostrava” by Aleš Nowák.
2. Public Prize and a reward of 10,000 CZK for “Kuželník” by Peter Bednár.
3. Public Prize and a reward of 5,000 CZK for “Möbiliar” by Ondřej Kovář.

Composition of the jury:
Chairman of the jury
Ing. arch. Ludvík Grym – authorized architect
Vice-Chairwoman of the jury
MgA. Pavla Kačírková – sculptor
Regular members of the jury
Gábina Páralová – fashion designer
Ing. Jan Hrozek – Chairman of the Board of Českomoravský cement, a.s., successor company
Mgr. Daniel Piršč - designer

What is TX Active?
The purpose of the competition was also to expand general awareness of the possibilities of concrete products, surfaces or specific objects that contain TX Active technology. This designation is applied to building materials that can break down dangerous nitrogen oxides, produced for example by road traffic, and convert them into health-neutral substances. Furthermore, these materials have self-cleaning abilities. Products with the unique and highly innovative TX Active technology can be used for building structures made of exposed concrete, but also for the production of components such as roofing tiles, concrete pavements, noise barriers, etc. The essence of the positive ecological properties of TX Active technology is cement containing a photocatalyst, a substance that accelerates the breakdown of impurities through natural light, more at www.txactive.cz .

For more information visit Českomoravský cement, a.s., successor company