About project
Our competition proposal for the revitalization of the Square of the Republic in Pilsen provides an opportunity to revitalize everyday life through new tree planting, modern furnishings and a thoughtful layout that respects the historic character of the square and the modern fountain. The planting concept is based on the principles of blue-green infrastructure, which ensures sustainable conditions for the growth of trees and their long-term prosperity. The square will thus provide a pleasant environment for relaxation, cultural and social events, markets and support for local shops and services. The proposed pedestrian zones at the western edge of the square and in the Wood link the pedestrian zones in the area into a cohesive whole, while increasing the area of active ground floor and improving pedestrian safety.
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Client
City of Pilsen
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Year
2024
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Location
Plzen, Republic Square
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Authors
Ján Antal
Martin Stára
Kristýna Stará
Denisa Peterková
Barbora Kuciaková -
Cooperation
Jiří Krejčiřík
Josef Filip
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Republic Square is located in the very heart of medieval Pilsen, in the place where Wenceslas II had it moved in 1295. It used to be an important commercial crossroads of western Bohemia on the way from Prague to Bavaria at the confluence of the Mže and Radbuza rivers. Now it remains an important hub of social events, education, administration and transport between the suburbs of Pilsen. Only the appearance has changed, the walled circuit has become a green residential strip and people flow through the original gates on pedestrian zones or passing vehicles.
Republic Square is a living organism. It is a place where people still live and where they pass through – on their way home, to work, with their children from the nearby school, to the market or for coffee with friends. However, the current state of the square is becoming uninhabitable due to the gradual increase in temperatures during the summer months, and people are fleeing it to the green belt of the Orchards. The furniture, lighting and design of the parterre areas around the buildings are outdated and do not meet current needs and standards. The proposal aims to resolve the current barriers to its comfortable use while remaining in keeping with the historic qualities of the site, thereby returning it to the residents of the town for everyday living.
URBANISTIC-ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
URBANISTIC-ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
In terms of the wider links in the surrounding area, we base the proposal on four pillars:
1. The design physically connects the square with the orchard circuit and the river – for pedestrians and cyclists. At the same time, it repeats the motif of the blue-green ring directly in the space of the square, thus connecting and anchoring the existing historical and artistic elements in the whole.
2. The design works with the historical principle of a diagonal layout that highlights the main visual links, allows for the running of the overhead contact line and at the same time establishes a functional system of blue-green infrastructure. This brings life to the square throughout the day and year.
3. The design incorporates an active, sustainable parterre with high quality materials that draws life into the centre of the square and supports its everyday use.
4. The square is divided into a northern and southern residential part, the cathedral is connected to the Pilsen bishopric and the central axis – connecting the pedestrian zones Riegrova-Dřevěná – is supplemented by a fog tower. The whole is framed by stylized technical elements such as lighting poles, which unify the space and give it expression.
FEATURES, ZONES OF THE SQUARE
The square is naturally divided into a quieter southern part for seating, a northern zone in the shadow of the cathedral suitable for neighbourhood and cultural events, and a west-eastern axis connecting the pedestrian zone with the cycle path. The open space remains flexible for markets, cultural and commemorative events. In the summer months, it is complemented by a misting system that enhances the experience.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
The planting of mature trees will bring pleasant shade and sunny places to sit and at the same time improve the microclimate of the whole square. The trees are planted diagonally so as not to obstruct views and to respect the rectangular pattern of the pavement. The species composition has been chosen with regard to the urban environment and the clarity of the space – trees with a narrower crown appear along the streets, while more prominent or flowering trees appear at corners and entrances.
BLUE-GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
The greenery in the square is part of a smart stormwater management system. Paved areas are drained to trees with permeable substrate or to inlets connected to existing gutters. The water drains into an underground system of pipes and only enters the sewers during extreme rainfall events. The solution also includes an area for a misting system that retains water in the event of heavy rainfall without restricting the use of the square. In the future, the system can be supplemented with storage tanks.
TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS
Car traffic in the vicinity of the square is to be reduced in favour of pedestrians and cyclists. The northern part will be replaced by a detour through Veleslavín Street, the southern part may be transferred to Bezručova Street in the future. In the north, the possibility of short-term parking for visitors to the Town Hall will remain, due to which the track is brought closer to the pavement. The eastern part remains passable only at the intersection with Wooden Street, which can serve as a pedestrian or shared zone. This section also creates space for a bike lane and preserves parking spaces for visitors to the Town House.
