This study examines a diverse area on the outskirts of historic Libeň, characterized by its connection to the Vltava River, a distinctly rugged terrain, and major transportation infrastructure passing through the area.

Several development projects are already in the planning stages within the study area and its surroundings. The aim of this study is to provide a conceptual framework for the site and to coordinate all future projects in a way that lays the groundwork for transforming development areas and public spaces into a vibrant urban neighborhood, connecting not only to the urban fabric of historic Libeň but also to the broader city center.

To achieve the goal of creating an attractive and vibrant urban neighborhood, we define several urban planning principles that will enable the creation of a modern and pleasant neighborhood with the potential to accommodate a campus of public amenities. The study examines the site’s volumetric and spatial possibilities, defines basic guidelines for public spaces, key spatial connections, and access routes, and delineates areas for new development.

Modifying the transportation plan, exposing the Rokytka Stream at the square, and connecting the square to the Libeň Chateau gardens and Thomayerovy Sady Park will help make the area more attractive and improve its accessibility, creating a new focal point for the neighborhood with citywide significance. Filling in vacant lots, revitalizing currently dilapidated historic buildings, and finding suitable functional uses for them will lead to the creation of a cultural and public center. The buildings around Mlýnský plácek could be used, for example, as gallery space and a restored brewery with a restaurant. The buildings directly adjacent to Elsnicovo Square could, for example, serve as spaces for an elementary arts school, a community center, or a library. The elementary school could be expanded southward by filling in the vacant lot, thereby providing the necessary capacity.

The foundation of every neighborhood should be a well-developed network of public spaces. Every square, park, or plaza should have its own distinctive, memorable character and a place within the overall hierarchy, thereby ensuring easy navigation within the area. A vibrant city is safe, efficient, and significantly contributes to the quality of life of its residents. The goal of the design is to create spaces that encourage people to spend their free time there. We propose transforming Elsnicovo Square into an attractive public square, turning it into a vibrant center of citywide significance. We are also supplementing it with smaller-scale spaces, such as Mlýnský Plácek or a new lookout point in Thomayer Park. In the northern part of the study area, we are introducing a new axis running from St. Vojtěch Church to the new train station, which will serve as the main thoroughfare in this development area. The planned train station will become a key focal point and transform the dynamics of the entire area.

We propose transforming Elsnicovo Square—currently a space surrounded on all sides by traffic, impassable, and unsuitable for pedestrians—into an attractive square, turning it into a vibrant center of citywide significance. We propose rerouting the road for motor vehicle traffic to the south side of the square along the Palác Svět building, thereby freeing up the park area in front of the manor house and connecting it to the square. This will also provide the square with space to reveal the Rokytka riverbed and make it accessible.

The well-preserved part of Stará Libeň imbues the site with a unique genius loci. The proposal approaches the site with respect for its history and identity, seeking to integrate the existing buildings into the life of the city. We propose to assign them appropriate functions and breathe new life into the currently dilapidated and unused structures. To delineate the main streets and public spaces and define the boundary between private and public space, we propose creating solid boundaries for the building blocks by developing the currently vacant lots, thereby clearly defining the area of Elsnicovo Square. The area surrounding the square will be transformed into a public cultural campus that will represent the city district, featuring a variety of shops and commercial services and becoming a pleasant place to spend free time. The completion of the building south of Libeň Chateau—which would not compete with the scale of the castle itself but would complement the historic mill and brewery buildings—will help not only to define the square’s boundaries but also to create an entrance to the park and delineate the new Mlýnský plácek.

The neighborhood’s location, directly adjacent to the Rokytka Stream, Thomayer Park, Pod Korábem Park, and the garden at Grabova Villa, provides unique access to existing green spaces. The design aims to enhance and develop these strengths. By adding new pedestrian pathways and supporting existing ones, the individual areas will be connected, and the green infrastructure will become a natural part of the area.

The northern part offers a new axis extending from the planned train station—a future key location in the area—toward St. Vojtěch Church. It will become a major thoroughfare in the area, which is ripe for redevelopment. We propose the demolition of the existing city hall building. Several options exist for its potential relocation, whether to another block in the northern part of the area or to Elsnicovo Square. The development should maintain a solid street frontage not only along the new thoroughfare from the train station but also along Zenklova Street. The proposed enclosure of the space in front of the church will create and clearly define its forecourt, establishing a representative entrance to the area. We propose adding a new pedestrian connection in the southern part of Grabova Garden, either by simply opening it up or by moving the southern wall to create a path for pedestrians and, if necessary, vehicular traffic. This will not only improve access to the river but also connect the industrial zone, where future redevelopment is planned. Detailed design and verification of the routing of new roads—taking into account property rights, terrain configuration, existing technical infrastructure, and other factors—will be the subject of follow-up spatial planning studies.