Students proposed the form of the Pardubice rivers and their surroundings

Pardubice – Until the end of August, people can view designs in Tyršovy Sady in Pardubice that show how the rivers and their surroundings in Pardubice could look in the future. Approximately 100 students from the international school of architecture ARCHIP have prepared dozens of architectural and urban visions focused on public space, recreation, transportation, landscape, and the relationship between the city and water, the city hall stated in a press release.

"Pardubice has a unique position as a city at the confluence of two rivers. The rivers were vital to its formation and still represent one of the most valuable public spaces. Collaborating with students allowed us to see familiar places through the eyes of a young generation of architects," said Deputy Mayor René Živný (Together for Pardubice).

In preparing their designs, students did not rely solely on maps and documents, but also explored the surroundings of the Elbe and Chrudimka rivers to get firsthand experience of the area. According to the city, their work brings new perspectives and inspiration for the future development of Pardubice.

"They worked with an area that has enormous potential and a strong connection to the history and identity of the city. The result is a range of original perspectives and bold visions that show how differently the space around the rivers can be thought about," stated the rector and founder of the ARCHIP school, Regina Loukotová.

The designs focus on the transformation of the embankment of the Chrudimka River near the Automated Mills. One of the authors proposes to replace the steep slope to the water with cascading stone steps and wooden piers. Around the river, he suggests creating a promenade divided into a red bike path and a paved sidewalk for pedestrians.

Residents, athletes, canoeists, anglers, scouts, representatives of associations, and nature conservationists were also involved in the planning. They recommended better connecting both banks, creating more access points to the water, expanding the network of pedestrian and cycling paths, and adding facilities for recreation and sports.

The results of the discussions and the students' proposals will be used by the city in preparing a concept for the banks of the Elbe and Chrudimka rivers, which is being developed by a team led by landscape architect Tomáš Jiránek. It is expected to be completed this autumn.