Prague’s Modern Architecture – a sign of the times

Prague is becoming quite a hive of architectural innovation. In recent years, dynamic and exceptionally thoughtful revitalization of public spaces, parks and buildings has been taking place. New plans, projects and zoning strategies are being put together, and largely successfully implemented. One of the exemplary revitalizations of public space is the re-designing of Prague’s embankments by architect Petr Janda.  A total of 20 large glass-fronted burrows or cells (locally known by the rather less glamorous name “kobky” or lock-ups) in the Rašínovo nábřeží and the opposite bank Hořejší nábřeží embankments have come alive for visitors.

The previously vacant spaces have gained enormous potential. The frequently visited embankments have now been enriched with these large-aperture-windowed galleries, creative workshops, libraries, cafés, bars etc, They have turned into sought-after all-weather meeting places for Prague citizens.

This initiative has out-competed 532 other building projects to get shortlisted. The final selection was made by the seven-member jury of the international EU Mies Award contest. This is run by the Spanish Mies van der Rohe Foundation, together with the European Commission. The last time a Czech project was shortlisted was in 2009. The ultimate winner of the Mies van der Rohe 2022 Prize for Contemporary Architecture will be revealed in mid-April.

Yet there are other architectural realizations that have won fame in recent months. Prague is not afraid of experiments or architectural ‘household names’. We could mention the Golden Tower project by the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid near the Masaryk Railway Station, the new Žižkov development by Eva Jiřičná or the footbridge that will connect the city districts of Holešovice and Karlín, nicknamed the HolKa, or ‘Girl’.

Our metropolis is no open-air museum stuck in a formaldehyde jar of immutability. It offers space to modern, timeless and sometimes surreal works, too, and ranks among those world capitals that understand contemporary architecture has its place, in well-considered context.

Here’s to Prague’s success!