Students of architecture are preparing a study of the possible development of Aš

Aš (Cheb Region) - Architecture students from the Technical University in Liberec are preparing a study on the potential development of the town of Aš. In their semester project, they aim to propose interventions in the town's architecture that would respond to the current state and the future expansion of Aš due to anticipated investments by Israeli developers, said Martin Hejl from the KOLMO studio, which leads the architectural workshop at the faculty.
     According to Hejl, Aš is currently very fragmented due to changes in the last two decades. "About 30 percent of buildings in the town have disappeared or are vacant," stated Hejl. As a result, the town lacks a defined public space. Additionally, there are already several construction projects being prepared behind Aš by Israeli developers, which are set to encompass an area about half the size of the current town. Aš should take this into account in its further development.
     According to Hejl, the town should decide whether it wants to move towards the restoration of its industrial character or embark on a path towards spa development, for which it also has conditions. One of the proposals, for example, includes flooding a large part of the current town center and creating a lake that would become a new landmark and tourist attraction.
     According to the mayor of Aš, Dalibor Blažek (independent), the proposals from young architects are often radical and provocative. "But that's okay because the outcome is always more realistic than the plans. The proposals also do not consider the financial possibilities of the town or property rights. They will certainly provoke passionate reactions among the residents," said Blažek. Nevertheless, he believes the proposals are inspiring and that the town can build upon them in future development.
     The study is expected to be complemented by exhibitions and promotions of the proposals in the town by mid-year. A discussion portal is also to be established to gather reactions to the architectural study.