Slavie Cultural Centre

Year2008

CategoryCivic Amenities

LocationČeské Budějovice

StatusDesign

The Slavie Cultural Centre is an important part of the urban space of České Budějovice, yet its surroundings currently fail to make use of the potential offered by the proximity of the Malše river, mature greenery and the neighbouring significant buildings. The design therefore addresses not only the reconstruction of the building itself, but also the restoration of its relationship with the city and the creation of a livelier public space.

The architecture is based on a dialogue between the historic building and contemporary interventions, which are clearly legible yet respect the original whole. The new materials work with transparency, reflections and a greater openness of the interior towards the outside, while the original structures remain an important part of the building’s identity.

The result is a cultural centre that connects old and new not only formally, but also spatially and functionally, and opens the building up to its surroundings once again.

Design team

A New Square and the Life of the Building

The main idea is to create a square towards which Slavie turns with its restaurant terrace, bringing cultivated urban life to the place. The approach to the building is enhanced by a platform descending to the Malše river, inviting people to stop, rest and talk, as well as hosting various events.

Dialogue between Old and New

The architecture of the new building is a bold dialogue between the historic whole and contemporary architecture. Both should meet high demands for functionality and the quality of the environment. The connection between old and new is built on an edge that time itself has defined in the historic context, and which can be considered in many ways.

The original structural materials flow freely into contemporary ones, which represent our time and are chosen to emphasise transparency, reflection and the opening up of spaces. Ultimately, this underlines the dialogue mentioned above, not only formally but also through the ethereal quality of the arrangement of volumes.