In August 2012, a two-week workshop of architects and sculptors took place in Vodňany, following previous events organized by the civic association Vodňany žijou, which aimed to engage with and understand this South Bohemian town. The purpose of this year's workshop was to remind locals of a forgotten piece of landscape - a forest park called V Zátiší, which previously served as a destination for walks and urban promenades. It aimed to spark interest in this place and its beginning restoration. The long-term goal is to connect the city with the flourishing fishing schools (the traditional Secondary Fishing School and the newly established Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters of the South Bohemian University), located right here in V Zátiší, and to reconnect the city with the Vodňany fishpond complex that lies between the town and V Zátiší. What was forgotten should be restored to new qualities.
As a tool for this initiative, several objects were created at the intersection of small architecture (for the needs of the building authority - furniture) and sculpture. Wooden structures for a few years, offering viewpoints, seating, and an unconventional experience, currently concentrated at the main entrance to the area. That is:
“Viewpoint for two with a bench” by architects Ida Čapounová and Jakub Chuchlík from the studio iuch. In the treetops above a steep cliff, in memory of a place with overgrown benches that was until recently a popular destination for romantic meetings.
“Ark” by sculptor Matěj Hájek and painter Julius Reichl on a bare plain in the slope. The symbolic bow of the ark is crowned by a rare elm, around which acacia trunks have been erected. The rough acacia ribbing on one side forms the base of a cascading deck, while on the other side, it appears as a symbolic torso of a shipwrecked ark. The resulting boat provides a refuge for resting in the sun or for outdoor teaching.
“Gazebo” by architects Vít Šimek and Štěpán Řehoř from the studio H3T, which at first glance looks like a three-dimensional maze. But once you find your way through and climb to the top, a unique view of the town opens up - the viewpoint connects to the line of the original approach to the city between the ponds.
“Apollo” from the workshop of architects Jan Kadlas, David Pavlist, and Jiří Žid - a wicker spacecraft swaying among the trees. From the suspended structure, visitors can observe everything happening in the adjacent meadow without being seen themselves. Or lie back and watch the crowns of the trees. “Slow Worm” by sculptor Tomáš Skála is a bench with a view, creeping around a majestic maple. Unlike other relatively adventurous installations, the Slow Worm, thanks to its gentle access ramp, is particularly inviting for children and seniors. “Fuller’s Dome” by architects Vít Šimek and Štěpán Řehoř from the studio H3T, which was erected just before the end of the event with the help of other workshop participants and several locals in the small area by the road. After the opening, there was grilling, a concert, and a closing party. Its further use is for the residents of Vodňany.
The workshop was initiated by the Deputy Mayor of the town, Pavel Janšta, with the substantial assistance of the Municipal Economy of Vodňany, s.r.o. and SRŠ Vodňany. The town provided the location, materials, accommodation, and food for the participants and lent tools. The event included lectures open to the public, a children's day, a historical walk, and a final opening.
During the workshop, we saw many locals coming to curiously observe the ongoing changes, and many of them even pitched in. We therefore believe that the initiation was successful, and that the people of Vodňany will take ownership of what has been and will be created. For now, the work on the overall concept for transforming the neglected hillside into a forest park should follow.