superspace proposes ‘the ring’, a public space for prague’s victory square development

the victory square, literally the heart of prague, is a recently-developed area differentiating from the old city with abruptly emerging wide boulevards flowing to a horseshoe shape. a simple solution proposed by istanbul-based studio superspace is created through transitional and functional integration to uncover the potential of this urban void. as the horseshoe employs necessary daily activities for the living, the transition to the circle of the roundabout welcomes social community activities unify around the ring isolated by a thick urban jungle.

the victory square is one of the biggest urban voids of prague and it is depicted as the heart of this relatively new part of the city which is awaiting the potentials to be revealed. for an iconic visual impact and to give an impression of walking into a deep forest, superspace proposes intense, tall, local and evergreen trees to be used when densifying the landscape of the horseshoe. they also mask the visual and aural effects of the excessive traffic flow and support a comfortable social zone.

the form of the ring derives from the transition line of the horseshoe plan to the circle of the roundabout. it is the heart of the district which makes it a place suitable for the communal activities from theme markets to art festivals, safe from the surrounding traffic flow, creating a place on its own that shape livable communities with a unifying flexibility and freedom. the eight paths leading to the circle accommodate various functions of daily life activities, such as sitting, walking, running, sunbathing, coffee breaks, playgrounds, basketball training, sports equipment, roller skating.

the victory square stands for a transportation hub with three levels of dispersed and disconnected vehicle integration. for someone new to the neighborhood, it is not easy to spot how transportation is integrated into various types of vehicles. to simplify the system, the number of tram and bus stops around the square are decreased and symmetrical connections are made to follow up easily. 

urbanSite analysis of victory square

increasing permeability physically and virtually uncovers the potential of this urban void to retrieve to the public realm of the city

pedestrian ways and vegetation areas

parking lots and bicycle lanes

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom