Praha 10 selected the design for the future appearance of Svatopluk Čech Square

Prague – Prague 10 has a proposal for the planned modifications of Svatopluk Čech Square in Vršovice. The architecture and landscaping competition was won by the studio ra15 among 21 proposals. The city district announced this on its website. The goal is to make the square clearer and better connect it with the surroundings. According to previous information from the city hall, the costs are estimated at 300 million crowns excluding VAT.

The city hall announced the competition in February, and the proposals were evaluated by a professional jury composed of representatives from the city district and independent experts in architecture, urbanism, and landscape architecture. "The announcement of the winning proposal is not a decision about the final shape of the future modifications of the square or the beginning of its implementation. On the contrary, it opens up further space for professional and public discussion," stated the mayor of Prague 10, Martin Valovič (ODS).

The mayor praised the winning proposal for significantly enhancing greenery and the sensitive design of the central area. According to information from the city hall, the jury particularly highlighted its ability to connect the park-like character of the place with the function of a lively urban square, as well as its compositional work with the dominant St. Wenceslas Church. "The winning proposal offers a balanced combination of green and paved areas, places for relaxation, space for everyday life, and for larger social and cultural events," said the chairman of the expert jury, architect Martin Rusina.

A part of the winning proposal includes a new central space near the tram stops, which is intended to serve as a meeting place and for social life. The proposal includes a water feature contributing to the improvement of the microclimate, a café, public restrooms, and facilities for the park manager, who would oversee operations, maintenance, and safety.

Svatopluk Čech Square, better known as Čechovo náměstí, is located around the St. Wenceslas Church between Moskevská and Slovinská streets. The church was built in the years 1929 and 1930 on the site of the former parish cemetery according to the design of architect Josef Gočár. It is considered one of the most significant functionalist buildings in the Czech Republic.