Revitalisation of Vrchlického sady Park,
the new construction of the Muzeum-Bolzanova tram line and
Reconstruction of the New Check-in Hall of the Prague Central Station
About project
Summary line
The City of Prague together with the Transport Company of the Capital City of Prague and the Railway Administration Company announced in June 2022 a tender procedure with a competitive dialogue for the revitalisation of Vrchlického Sady, the new construction of the tramway line Muzeum–Bolzanova and the reconstruction of the New Check-in Hall of the Prague Central Station.
Vrchlického sady and the new main station concourse form a clear part of the centre of the metropolis in terms of geography and significance. However, with regard to the current and planned needs of the functioning of the urban organism in the locality and the wider surroundings, they fulfil their role very problematically.
The aim of the tender procedure with a competitive dialogue was therefore to find an architectural, urban, landscape and transport solution oriented towards the functionality and city-forming role of this important area. At the same time, the site should be attractive not only for travellers but also for the inhabitants of the adjacent urban districts, which are currently divided by road and rail infrastructure.
24 multidisciplinary teams from the Czech Republic and abroad have entered the competition. Five teams advanced to the second round, three of which went on to the next two rounds of selection. The competitors were expected to propose a conceptual solution based on territorial needs and an analysis of current problems. Participants had to have experience in providing quality solutions for active functional public space, public buildings with a transport function and park landscaping in central parts of the city. The quality of the proposals was assessed from an urban-architectural, landscape and transport point of view. Their interdependence led to a better quality of the design. It now brings natural attractiveness, safety and long-term environmental sustainability to the site.
The winning team
The jury selected the winner of the competitive dialogue in autumn 2023. The Danish studio Henning Larsen Architects was the winner with its design for the Št'astný Hlavák. The main idea is the natural connection between Vrchlického Sady, the passenger concourse, the new tram stop in front of the station and the historic Fanta building, symbolised by the large covered wooden roof structure. The proposed design of the whole area emphasises sustainability, micromobility and brings life back to Vrchlického Sady. Henning Larsen Architects is part of the Danish Ramboll Group and is one of the world leaders in complex urban design.
The vision of Št'astný Hlavák is to welcome visitors to the city and prepare the public space to be a comfortable place for residents and travellers. The evaluation committee praised the comprehensiveness of the approach and the coherence of the design of the entire area. The design opens and illuminates the concourse and improves the clarity and flow of passenger movement within it and in the adjacent park. At the same time, it places a new tram stop close to the concourse and simply connects the concourse with the Fanta building. These related steps will thus prepare the entire site for the expected increase in passenger numbers in the coming decades.
The winning team will then proceed with the contractual cooperation and completion of the architectural study. This will be based on the requirements of the clients and the opinion of the professional and general public. Subsequently, the design documentation will be developed and reviewed for permitting. The estimated start of implementation is in 2028.
Solved area
Opening words
doc. Ing. arch. Petr Hlaváček
Vrchlického sady Park was designed in the 19th century as an entrance gate to the city. However, the 20th century, through its insensitive interventions, made the place a periphery. Even though the iconic architecture of the New Terminal Hall was created on the site. I believe that with the development of new fast rail links, the place will regain its privileged place as the gateway to the city, and we should therefore approach the competition with full seriousness and restore the place to its dignity.
In connection with the past, I would like to remind the unique handwriting that the recently deceased Alena Šrámková imprinted on this transfer junction. I look forward to discussing the values she left us and how to build on her work. On behalf of Prague, I can say that we are very happy to cooperate with such reliable partner as Správa železnic and we look forward to a great result
Ing. Petr Hofhanzl
Between the railway and the city, with a touch of nature,
Between the rushing and the waiting ones,
Between the many modes of transport.
We are standing between the history and the future.
In the vicinity of the Art Nouveau Fantova Building, which we are now reconstructing with care and love, with respect for the original design of NOH and with an eye to the future, we are thus initiating, together with Prague and the Prague Institute of Planning and Development, a competition dialogue that will replace the word „between“ with a quality project. The project of the decade. For a hundred thousand passengers a day, for Prague, for the Czech people.
Ing. Jan Šurovský, Ph.D.
We are convinced that the chosen process of competition dialogue is the right one, also considering the complexity of the territory and the links between the individual designs, and will bring an appropriate solution. At the same time, we also perceive great support for this intention from the Capital City of Prague as well as from Prague 1 and Prague 2 municipal districts.
