Svatopluk Čech Square

Year2026

CategoryProjects

LocationPrague

StatusCompetition entry

Svatopluk Čech Square in Prague-Vršovice is one of the most important public spaces in the district, dominated by the Church of St Wenceslas by Josef Gočár. The design brings together the formal forecourt of the church, the park and everyday urban life into a single legible whole. It works with the contrast between the livelier southern part and the quieter north, and adds lawns, seating terraces, an amphitheatre and places for community and cultural activities.

A key theme is improved permeability across the site, the restoration of the northern staircase and the strengthening of pedestrian links alongside the church. Greenery also plays an important role, structuring the space, improving the microclimate and supporting biodiversity. The design is complemented by sensitive rainwater management and creates a contemporary public space that respects the historic value of the place while meeting the needs of today’s Vršovice.

Client	Municipal District of Prague 10
Design team	Martin Krupauer Pavel Kvintus Martin Sedmák Anna Salingerová Lucie Formanová Barbora Brabcová Ruby Pavoučková Andrej Kacera
Co-authors	Ing. Petr Zajíc Ateliér DUA

Between City and Park

The design responds to the dual character of the place – a lively urban centre to the south and a quieter park to the north. It creates a varied structure of places to spend time, with lawns, an amphitheatre, terraces and spaces for community and cultural activities.

Improved permeability across the site is another important theme. We are restoring the northern staircase, strengthening pedestrian links and emphasising the axis alongside the church, whose dominant position is reinforced by the new composition of greenery.

Greenery as the Identity of the Place

We place great emphasis on working with greenery as the bearer of the identity of the place. New tree planting complements the existing vegetation, increases biodiversity and creates a pleasant microclimate for everyday use. The trees here are not mere scenery, but an active element that helps structure the space, provides shade and contributes to the overall quality of the public realm.

The design also includes sensitive rainwater management, which supports the sustainability of the whole scheme. The jury particularly praised the development of the original urban and landscape concept, the restoration of the church forecourt and the high-quality solution for pedestrian permeability. The result is a design that sensitively connects history with the present and creates a lively, welcoming place for everyday life and for meeting.