2005 - competition entry
rivergardens
The Real Estate Karlin Group launched an invited two phase architectural competition to re-develop a five hectare site on the south bank of the river Vlatava in Prague-Karlin. The brief for phase one was to master-plan the area, to provide ca. 85,000 m² residential and ca. 40,000 m² commercial accommodation.
Recent uses of the site have destroyed the urban grain of the area. Our design proposals maximise views and glimpses from all buildings towards the river. Massing and scale of the proposal gradually reduces towards the Northern river edge of the site which reflects the change in predominant use. The break-down of the massing into smaller units would allow a greater variance of architectural expression. Plan forms would maximise natural light and river views thereby fully utilising the site potential of natural elements to the benefits of the occupiers and users of the development.
Stephenson-Bell has collaborated with Jeppe Aagaard Andersen- a Danish landscape architect to integrate landscape and architecture from design inception. The park to the north of the site comprises several elements linking the landscape with architecture. It follows the direction of the River Vltava offering a habitable and recreational space. The dynamic of the design is taken from the existing line of poplar trees along the water side. The strong east/west patterns within the proposed Rivergardens master plan are introduced as channels and paths in the north park. Fields of flowers and grasses are overlaid on the basic geometry of the park. Wooden decks reinforce the connection between the new development and the river giving potential for a new form of interaction with the river. Fields continue out into the river by means of floating plants.
