About project
We see the area near the T. G. Masaryk Primary School in Modřany as a key point of the local community. A place with a distinct historical footprint, quality greenery and daily movement of children, parents and residents of the area has the potential to become a natural meeting centre. Our proposal builds on the link between memory of place, functionality and a sustainable approach to the landscape. The aim is to create an environment that is uncluttered, safe and open – a space that supports the everyday life of the school and the wider community.
We start from respect for local memory and the importance of the school as a natural community centre of Modřany. The design combines a clearly structured and safe environment for children and the public with a sustainable approach to the area through blue-green infrastructure and sensitive work with vegetation, while creating an open public space for meeting, play, outdoor learning and everyday life of the neighbourhood, strengthening the identity of the place and local social ties.
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Client
Municipal district of Prague 12
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Year
2025
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Location
Prague 12, U Modřanské školy
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Size
7500 m2
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Authors
Ing. arch. Kristýna Stará
Ing. Barbora Kuciaková
Ing. Richard Labanc -
Illustration
Barbora Kuciaková
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Electro
Vit Zvolanek
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Traffic solutions
Traffic projection Filip
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Fire protection
igniscon
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Wider relations
The T. G. Masaryk Primary School is located in a quiet residential area of Modřany with good accessibility on foot, public transport and by bike. The school is connected to tram and bus lines and there is a cycle path along the Vltava River nearby. There are basic public amenities in the area, yet there is still a lack of a clearly defined public space that would naturally function as the centre of the local community.
Problems and values of the territory
The area in front of the school has long been plagued by neglected maintenance, reduced traffic safety, outdated surfaces, inadequate lighting and the absence of furniture. The site looks fragmented due to successive interventions without a coherent concept. At the same time, it is a strategically located area with significant historical value and daily use by local residents. The greatest potential of the area is the existing mature trees that shape its character and atmosphere.
Design concept and zoning
The design works with a clear structure of the space and divides the area in front of the T. G. Masaryk Primary School into four interconnected functional zones that respond to the different needs of users and together create a clear and lively whole. The concept is based on a fluid movement through the area – from the entrance area to the school, through the main entrance to the rest and play areas. The different zones relate to each other naturally and allow for the daily use of the space by children, parents and the wider public.
Functional parts of the space
The movement to the school begins with a boardwalk with distinctive graphics, created in collaboration with the children as part of their learning and school projects. The path strengthens the pupils’ relationship with the place and also acts as a flexible area for cultural, community and sporting activities. It is linked to the playful school forecourt, designed for gathering and waiting, dominated by a large multifunctional bench. This provides seating and informal seating and, together with the perennial planting, creates a presentable and welcoming environment outside the main entrance to the school.
Other parts of the area are complemented by a school park for play and learning that combines nature, movement and education. There are natural play elements, seating for outdoor learning and fruit trees that improve the microclimate and have an educational function. The original beaten paths are replaced by paved paths for safe and comfortable movement. The design also includes a playground for different age groups with play elements made of natural materials, seating for parents and a garden with aromatic and edible plants. A quiet counterbalance to the entire space is a commemorative avenue that respects the historical significance of the site and offers a space for quiet stopping.
Principles of blue-green infrastructure
The design works with the principle of maximum retention of rainwater directly in the area and creates a coherent blue-green system. This is achieved through a combination of vegetation treatments, semi-permeable surfaces and a thoughtful gradient of paved areas towards the green.
Part of the solution is to use a structural substrate for tree planting, which promotes water infiltration and long-term tree vigour. The modelling of the terrain allows for the natural movement of water in the area and contributes to the efficient irrigation of the proposed greenery.
Rainwater is further captured in seepage and storage elements, located mainly under paved surfaces. The water stored in this way is subsequently used for irrigation of park greenery, especially grassy areas.
