Park Four Dvory in České Budějovice - competition results

Public anonymous one-stage architectural competition

Organizer: Statutory City of České Budějovice

The subject of the competition was the development of an architectural design for the Čtyři Dvory park, which is to be created in the area of the former Čtyři Dvory barracks. The area of the former military training ground and barracks is located in the northwestern part of the city of České Budějovice, in the Čtyři Dvory district. The city's intention is to transform part of this devastated area into a unique contemporary urban park usable for all age categories of visitors.

Competition period: February 27 – April 11, 2012

Jury:
Ing. Ivana Popelová, Deputy Mayor, Statutory City of České Budějovice
Mgr. Petr Podhola, Deputy Mayor, Statutory City of České Budějovice
Eva Hajerová, released member of the city council, Statutory City of České Budějovice
Ing. arch. Petr Lešek, Projektil architekti, s.r.o., Prague, independent
Ing. arch. Hana Urbancová, České Budějovice, independent
Ing. arch. Mirek Vodák, Atelier Nolimat, České Budějovice, independent
Ing. Jitka Trevisan, Trevisan Atelier+, Mšeno, independent
Substitutes of the jury
JUDr. Ing. Tomáš Bouzek, member of the city council, Statutory City of České Budějovice
Ing. arch. Petr Heteša, R2 COMP, České Budějovice, independent

Number of submitted proposals: 25

Total prizes: 250 thousand CZK

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Jury evaluation:

1st prize (110 thousand CZK): Ing. Petr Velička, Ing. arch. David Prudík, Ing. Markéta Veličková

a) architectural and landscape concept and overall quality of the proposal,
It represents an innovative approach to solving the park at the city's edge and open countryside respecting the historical specific character of the site. The concept of the design is based on leaving a larger part of the park to natural development and directly following and respecting the character of the neighboring landscape. The area is divided into three degrees of intervention intensity. The road network, in terms of broader relations, respects the main entrances to the area and, at the same time, frees itself from surrounding buildings and creates a clear new trace in the landscape.

b) complexity and completeness of the solution,
The proposal meets the required program. Although the design strictly respects the boundaries of the addressed area, it simultaneously signals a way of approaching the possibilities of further expansion beyond these boundaries.
Inline solves a small area for children, and the main inline trail is directed outside the area, thus not overloading it.

c) cost-effectiveness and economic (financial) adequacy of the chosen solution
Economic feasibility and financial adequacy is given by the overall concept mentioned above. The interventions are not of a blanket nature and are directed to areas and points where they have qualitative justification.
 
d) effectiveness of implementation and subsequent operation
Minimal intervention in the existing terrain and vegetation allows for realization and operation with relatively low costs. However, this concept also means specific requirements for the method of implementation and maintenance.
Jury recommendation: The jury recommends looking for a more suitable solution for the background facility that relies on better functional links of the building to the surrounding areas (it must not be a barrier).
The placement of the multipurpose playground should better reflect the operational contexts of the park (consider removing the fencing). The jury recommends considering a change in the ratio of areas according to maintenance intensity in favor of herbal communities, which should not affect the overall concept of the park. At the same time, the jury recommends that within maintenance, the theme of moderated succession be formulated with less limiting interventions and consider initial planting.
 

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2nd prize (80 thousand CZK): MgA. Ing. arch. Michal Fišer, Ing. arch. Kateřina Richterová

a) architectural and landscape concept and overall quality of the proposal,
The greatest benefit of the proposal lies in reflecting broader landscape contexts and confirming the concept of green wedges, which are one of the key points of the valid spatial plan. The report aptly states: “The addressed area can only be qualitatively assessed through consideration of its possible integration into the network of external spatial relations.” The proposed enclosing embankment as a proclaimed seam is the backbone of the solution that anchors the green wedge into the organism of the city. The design thematizes the history of the place and the state of vegetation on the brownfield and works with it artistically and unobtrusively.
 
b) complexity and completeness of the solution,
The proposal meets the requirement for a minimum range of play elements in the area. However, the realization of the concept needs to be interconnected even beyond the addressed territory.
Criterion
c) cost-effectiveness and economic (financial) adequacy of the chosen solution
The main investment is directed to the embankment, with play elements, located at the edge of the area. Specific activities are hinged on it. They allow for phasing and supplementation. The generosity of the solution is intertwined with humility of intervention and guarantees low costs.
 
d) effectiveness of implementation and subsequent operation
Clear zoning of intensity and method of care will allow for economical maintenance.
Jury recommendation: The proposal shows a unique and irreplaceable value for the entire organism of the city in the context of the adjacent area with the highest degree of protection. The jury recommends approaching the territory according to this quality.
 

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3rd prize (60 thousand CZK): Ing. arch. Kryštof Štulc, Ing. Tereza Mácová, Ing. Ilona Vybíralová, other participants: Msc. Jana Myšková, Ing. Ferdinand Leffler

a) architectural and landscape concept and overall quality of the proposal,
The concept of the main artery and circuit corresponds to the needs of the adjacent area and fulfills the program of the urban park. The jury appreciates the ideational design, which responds with its composition to the urbanized character of the surrounding built-up area.

b) complexity and completeness of the solution,
The concept of the main circuit allows for the cleanliness and multifunctionality of the central space and the placement of individual activities around the perimeter of the addressed area. This generosity is, however, not evident in the shape, concept, and orientation of the kiosk.

c) cost-effectiveness and economic (financial) adequacy of the chosen solution
The proposal requires practically the entire adjustment of the addressed area and is at the edge of limiting investment costs. Modeling the terrain using unjustified and small-scale undulations weakens the overall clarity of the concept.

d) effectiveness of implementation and subsequent operation
Diversity and small scale of landscape adjustments and the required intensity of care generate higher operating costs.
Jury recommendation: Overall simplification of terrain modeling and the character of plantations towards the current state would economically and operationally benefit the proposal.
 

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