A recent architectural competition for the redesign of the Main Train Station in the Czech Republic has stirred controversy, particularly surrounding the winning design by Danish studios Hennig Larsen and Ramboll. The proposed redesign includes the removal of part of a ticket hall constructed in the brutalist style by prominent local architects in the 1970s.

The winning design, characterized by the removal of the brutalist structure’s roof and front part, is met with backlash, with critics expressing concerns about replacing a significant architectural style with a pergola-like structure. Jury chairman Jaroslav Wertig described the design as “radical, revolutionary, and sensitive to history,” emphasizing its renewal of pedestrian connections to the central station’s surface of the Art Nouveau Fant Building.

However, the pergola concept has faced criticism for creating an open space that could attract pigeons and potentially obstruct views of the Fant Building. The challenges posed by Prague’s climate, particularly during winter, have also been raised, considering the proposed design’s openness.

Adam Scheinherr, former deputy mayor (Prague for itself), stressed the importance of limiting radical interventions to specific areas, such as the park, sides of the ticket hall, and parking lot, expressing concerns about a significant reduction in indoor spaces for waiting passengers.

To address the controversy and gather public input, the creators and the Institute of Planning and Development are set to collect residents’ attitudes, objections, and suggestions from December 12th to the end of February. Greta Tiedje from Hennig Larsen emphasized a commitment to listening to citizens’ input, stating, “It will be up to the citizens; we will listen to what you have in your heart.” The period of public opinion collection aims to ensure a comprehensive understanding of community perspectives on the proposed redesign of the Main Train Station.

Article by Prague Forum