Cooperation on the development of Šantovka District

Today the inner periphery, soon the waterfront full of life. Olomouc will become a new urban district called Šantovka District. The project will build on the already existing business and social centre Galerie Šantovka and will complement the locality with a residential area, facilities for culture and leisure activities, shops or offices. We are involved in the development of the area together with the British office StudioN. We are focusing on the immediate surroundings of the new shopping centre as well as the wider urban context – with a focus on making the Mlýnský Brook more accessible.

The river is an important part of the city. We are therefore proposing new north-south connections to the city, which will lay the foundation for the creation of a barrier-free link between the historic centre of Olomouc and the southern suburbs and the natural habitat of the southern Morava Valley. On the banks of the hitherto neglected Mlýnský brook, an embankment will be created to allow people to access the river. Visitors will find refreshments, a cycle path and a place for children to play on land and in the water. The area is now constrained by many barriers. The main problem is the crossing with roads and bridges, which does not allow for the smooth movement of pedestrians and cyclists. This should be changed. Therefore, the cycle path is routed along the bank of the creek, while not encroaching on the creek bed itself.

A central public space will be created between the existing and the new shopping gallery. Here we propose new access to and across the water, cultivation of greenery, the addition of various waterfront and water activities and a café with a children’s playground. We are also considering the reconstruction of the demolished weir. Although the building is unique in its dimensions, its roofscape reflects the scale & morphology of the surrounding historic buildings, to which it relates. The site, with its backdrop of the nearby mountain peaks, as well as established local architectural principles, was the starting point for the form & massing. This was also reflected in the composition of the façade elements and the way of working with specific materials.