A new chapter awaits Prager's Cubes. This collection of notable modernist buildings near the Emmaus Monastery at Na Slovanech is to be tastefully refurbished in the spirit of the original vision of Karel Prager and Jiří Kadeřábek. The IXA studio has been developing this reconstruction in recent years. The contract was signed today by representatives of PORR, Metrostav DIZ and the director of the Prague Institute of Planning and Development, which is seated in the complex.
The work builds on the architectural vision of Karel Prager and his team, adapting it to the needs of the 21st century. The authenticity of the entire process is guaranteed by a group of specialists from CTU, based on the conclusions of an expert report prepared by professor Miloslav Pavlík, a member of the original design team. It focuses mainly on the technical (i.e. structural, safety and operational) aspects of the design. The architects from the IXA studio developed the overall spatial concept and interior design, building on the original principles of Prager's design. The Land05 landscape studio will then transform the adjacent site into a contemporary public space with the ambition to become a full-fledged part of the city park.
"The project gives us the opportunity to fulfil the original meaning of this exceptional building. It's not just about refurbishing the offices - we're restoring functions that were part of Karel Prager's original design for the building, but were never fully realised."
Ondřej Boháč, Director of IPR Prague
This is the first major renovation of the building since it was completed in 1975. The building as it is today does not meet the current requirements for energy efficiency, fire safety, hygiene or technical facilities - partly due to leaks in the façade and roofs. The project therefore includes modifications to the supporting structure, without which these systemic problems could not be resolved. It also includes a new spatial layout, the complete renovation of the building shell, and upgraded technology.
"Preparing the renovation of Prager's Cubes was a major challenge, especially with regards to reaching a political and social consensus, but also owing to the costs and technical complexity of the project. This is a hugely valuable complex of buildings from an architectural perspective - at the time it was a pioneering suspended structural system - and it will therefore be quite challenging to adapt the buildings to current energy requirements. However, the result will be worth it, among other things because the whole site, including the roof, will be more accessible to the public."
Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor for Land Use Planning
Visitors will perhaps most appreciate the opening of part of the rooftop terrace above CAMP, where a public space and a bistro terrace are planned. The renovation will preserve and restore some of the fine original features, such as ceramic tiles, stone surfaces and solid wood cladding. The new architectural alterations are designed to be distinctly contemporary, to make it readily apparent what is original and what is new.
The project also includes ecological rainwater management and a reduction in the building’s energy consumption, supported by a grant from the Modernisation Fund worth over CZK 320 million. The cost of the refurbishment project should total close to CZK 1.4 billion. Most of the funds will be provided by Prague City Hall.
The complex is characterised by three blocks rising above the former abbey garden of the Emmaus Monastery at Na Slovanech. It was originally designed for the Association of Design Studios and, according to architect Karel Prager (whose designs include the Federal Assembly building, which is now the new National Museum building and the New Stage of the National Theatre), it was to serve as the headquarters of several studios led by some of the most renowned Czech architects of the late 20th century, such as the Machonins (Kotva, DBK) and Karel Filsak (Hotel Intercontinental, now the Fairmont Golden Prague).
Source: IPR Prague Archive
Karel Prager worked with the concept of a vertical city. Three levitating pavilions with a glass façade made of Boletice-type panels are built on a steel base structure with communication cores that help to distribute the weight of the paved sections with offices above. Similarly to his design for the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry in Petřiny, Prager used a modular system, which his studio GAMA later patented. The site was given the name "Prager's Cubes" after him.
Source: IPR Prague Archive
The construction in Vyšehradská ulice was completed in 1973. However, political changes led to Karel Prager falling out of favour, and so rather than the originally planned five buildings, i.e. four pavilions and a building on the corner of Na Moráni and Vyšehradská streets, only the three existing buildings were eventually built.
Source: IPR Prague Archive
The Prague Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague) is still based there. This means the buildings have served the same purpose since day one - housing those planning the future of Prague.
Source: IPR Prague Archive
However, the names of the planning institutions have changed over the years. The last change took place in 2013, when the City of Prague Urban Development Department was renamed the Prague Institute of Planning and Development. You can read more about the history in the book Planning Prague, published by IPR Prague.
Source: IPR Prague Archive
Have you ever wondered what CAMP looked like before it was CAMP? Fairly mundane and bureaucratic.
Source: CAMP Archive
But now it's going to be expanded. After the refurbishment work, visitors will be able to use the building's entire ground floor. The general public will be able to use all the space of the cube bases, which will continue to house CAMP and will also contain facilities for educational programmes and children's groups.
Author: ZAN studio | Source: IPR Prague
