Kolbenova brownfield revitalisation

CTU in Prague - Faculty of Civil Engineering

Project idea

The idea behind this design is to redevelop an industrial brownfield in Prague - Vysočany. The vast industrial areas situated near Kolbenova metro station are mainly abandoned, the location has been home to machines, trains and steel for the past century. Now is the time to claim the remarkable city quarter back for people, to help solve housing shortage and develop quality public spaces with human scale. To adapt what can be saved, to convert historic factories for new purposes and to preserve important landmarks and structures of industrial heritage. They are understood as the continuous ties with the history of the location and are used to enrich new public spaces and parks.

Project description

The site is situated between two bodies of greenery - steep hills in the north and river Rokytka in the south. The design originated by placing a new system of public spaces, squares and axes of greenery supporting the walking connections and enabling new passages through previously inaccessible areas. The main green corridor runs along revitalized and newly opened creek, that previously ran through the sewer system. Historic factory buildings and chimneys are converted to various civic purposes (markets, concert venues, retail, offices) and accompany important squares. The new structures along the main steet are of mixed-use, buildings further down the street system are solely used for housing. There are also new kindergartens and a school according to the demand of new residential capacities. The design reacts to and encorporates housing developements that are currently under construction on several sites in the area.

Technical information

Infrastructure in the area was adapted and changed in order to serve new purposes. The main street remains the primary entry into the area, it is accesible by car, tram and metro but the traffic has been slowed down using various methods in important crossings with public squares. Parking along the streets is limited to places for visitors and supply needs, residential parking is situated in the basement of the buildings. There is a new bike lane connecting the new parks and using the corridors left after a disused train line. The design is also particular on water management and sustainibility. The houses are meant to have green roofs, to collect rainwater for garden irrigation and household usage. Waste management also includes grey water collection systems that can be further used for flushing. There are both private and communal gardens with composting facilities. On the large scale newly designed parks have ponds and absorbing areas that collect rainwater from paved surfaces and enable gradual absorption.