Urban study - Papírenská

Project idea

The main idea of the project is based on the site, which is located in a floodplain and is a place of industrial, historical and natural value.
The design seeks to highlight the potential of the site and design a modern development with an emphasis on housing and amenity, culture, recreation and high quality public spaces.

Project description

The area in question is located around Papírenská Street and Bubenečské Embankment in Prague 6. It is a place of historical and natural value with great potential for new residential development to complement the existing buildings of Dejvice and Bubeneč. The area is bordered by Císařský ostrov, the railway, and the river. It has excellent transport connections thanks to the important transport hub of Podbaba.
Nearby is one of the most significant industrial heritage landmarks—the old wastewater treatment plant—as well as the popular Royal Game Reserve Stromovka. According to the Papírna Bubeneč study by Headhand Architects, a primary school is planned within the former paper mill complex. In addition, a hospital, administrative offices, the Juliska sports complex, the CTU campus, and other amenities are located nearby.
This valuable location, with several industrial halls and the historic wastewater treatment plant, is highly fragmented, and its public spaces do not reflect its potential. The preserved architectural values in the area include the old wastewater treatment plant building, the façade of the former textile factory, and the bridge of the former field railway. These elements are respected in the design and also indicate the location of the main public space.
The main transport axis of the area is Papírenská Street, which has been adapted to a new street profile. On its southeastern side, it is perpendicularly connected to Mlýnská Street, in contrast to its current state. Along Papírenská Street, an orthogonal development is designed, aligning with the grid-like structure of Bubeneč and Dejvice. Moving away from the railway, the development gradually decreases in height and disperses towards the Vltava River. The design of residential buildings emphasizes ample greenery and the possibility of private gardens.
Since the area is in a floodplain, part of the land around Papírenská Street is elevated to the level of the old wastewater treatment plant, where the 2002 flood zone does not reach. The residential houses located closer to the river are built on piles.
A significant feature of the design is a pedestrian bridge at the level of the second floor, which separates pedestrian and vehicular traffic while providing a unique experience of the location. The bridge leads from the new railway station—expected to be the main point of arrival—through green courtyards equipped with commercial units and towards the main public space. There, it forms an interesting spiral end element, allowing barrier-free access from the square and connecting to the bridge of the former field railway.
The core of the designed area is the main public space, intended as a cultural hub, a meeting place, and a relaxation spot. It is surrounded by cultural buildings with small shops, cafés, and restaurants. The key feature of this space is the old wastewater treatment plant, along with the newly designed Bubeneč Gallery and the second-floor pedestrian bridge, which will bring an artistic atmosphere to the location. Towards the Vltava River, the square transitions into a recreational area with a selection of pedestrian paths along the riverbank. Near the former field railway bridge, a bay is designed with an amphitheater and a floating stage for cultural events and leisure activities.
Beyond the wastewater treatment plant, an original meadow is preserved and enhanced with pathways and tall greenery, respecting the underground network of shafts. Along the Vltava, an extended and upgraded cycling path will accommodate in-line skaters and will be integrated with the built environment, providing a connection to the Royal Game Reserve Stromovka.
The design aims to highlight the potential of this location by designing a modern development that emphasizes housing, civic amenities, culture, recreation, and high-quality public spaces.

Technical information

The main traffic axis of the area is Papírenská Street, which is adapted to the new street profile and is perpendicularly connected to Mlýnská Street on the south-eastern side compared to the existing situation.
As the area is located in a flood zone, part of the area around Papírenská Street is raised to the level of the old sewage treatment plant, where the 2002 flood zone does not reach. Residential houses that are located closer to the river are then built on piles.
A significant element of the design is the pedestrian bridge at the 2nd floor level, which will keep the main pedestrian and motor traffic separate and also give pedestrians a unique experience of the site.

Documentation

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