Danish studio Henning Larsen Architects has won the competition dialogue for the revitalization and reconstruction of the main railway station area in Prague with its design Šťastný Hlavák (Happy Main Station). Its main idea is a natural connection between Vrchlického Sady park, the New Terminal Hall, the new tram stop directly in front of the station and the historic Fanta building. The proposed design of the whole area emphasises sustainability, micromobility and bringing life back to Vrchlického Sady park.
The vision of Šťastný Hlavák is to welcome visitors to the city and prepare the public space to be a comfortable place for residents and travellers. The dominant feature of the design is a covered wooden roof structure bringing a connection between the Vrchlického Sady area, the new apron and the planned tram stop. The studio also divided Vrchlického sady into three parts: a cultural zone, a "station square" and a zone for additional activities. The division will also contribute to a much better visibility of the whole area. The proposal also works on improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists and provides solutions for sustainable management of the whole area, for example through efficient stormwater management.
