The Building of the Year in Prague has become the Arcus City complex in Řeporyje

Prague – The Building of the Year for the capital city of Prague in 2025 has been awarded to the residential complex Arcus City in Řeporyje. The jury appreciated its urban planning solution, work with public space, and the use of wooden structures in multi-story residential construction. The Urban Planning Project of the Year 2026 award went to the design of the new urban district Nová Zbrojovka in Brno-Židenice. The awards were presented today by the Foundation for the Development of Architecture and Construction at a gala event in the Fantova building in Prague.

Arcus City, which was selected from 36 projects as Prague's building of the year, is a residential complex on the site of a former brick factory. Thirteen residential buildings complement a central public space with civic amenities and a network of walking paths. Four buildings were constructed using load-bearing structures made of laminated wood, which is a less common solution in Czech residential construction. The project was completed in 2025.

The jury also awarded 11 special prizes to Prague projects. The Residence U Milosrdných in Prague 1, for example, received an award for its sensitive integration of contemporary architecture into the historical environment, the Fairmont Golden Prague hotel for its contribution to the restoration of architectural heritage, and the new Hloubětín tram depot for its structural and technical solutions with an emphasis on rainwater management and the inclusion of greenery. The public awards went to the construction modification of the Trčkovi houses and the garden in Hradčany, as well as the renovation project of the Sovova Residence in Karlín.

The Brno project Nová Zbrojovka, which became the Urban Planning Project of the Year 2026, addresses the transformation of a former industrial area into a new urban district. The area is gradually developing into residential units, offices, commercial spaces, public facilities, and green spaces. The project also includes schools, kindergartens, a cultural center, and transportation infrastructure including bike paths. Dozens of architects and designers are working on the project.

The jury selected this project from 12 submissions, which included, for example, the revitalization of the city of Kopřivnice and adjustments to the surroundings of the football stadium in Hradec Králové. Several other awards were given in the competition. The public award went to the connection of track sections between Vyšehrad and Smíchov, while the second place went to the urban plan of Hradec Králové.

The Foundation for the Development of Architecture and Construction, also known as the ABF Foundation, was established in 1990 based on an initiative by the International Union of Construction Centers, which holds associated status with the UN as a recommended form for developing the Czech Center for Construction Information. The foundation aims to promote the development of architecture, construction, urbanism, and the aesthetic, technical, economic, health, and social quality of construction. Since 1992, it has also organized the Building of the Year competition. The ABF company was established in 1995 and is one of the companies of entrepreneur Pavel Sehnal. Among other things, it operates the PVA Expo area in Prague's Letňany.