A NEW BEGINNING - Social Architecture at the Heart of Prague
SS 2025
Prognosis
By 2050, 70% of the world's population will live in cities. In Prague, according to a recent study by the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), the population is expected to grow to as many as 1.97 million by 2050, representing an increase of approximately 45% compared to the current figure. Demographic projections indicate a significant rise in the number of children (an 18% increase in the 6–14 age group) and seniors (a 56% increase in people over 80 years old).
Challenge
Such dramatic population growth brings significant challenges. New architectural projects should not only aim to improve the quality of life in the metropolis but also maintain social cohesion and actively engage in dialogue with the local community.
The city center of Prague hosts many vacant buildings and unused plots owned by the city, awaiting political and financial impetus for transformation. Among them are:
ŠTĚPÁNSKÁ 617/26
A Staré Město courtyard, envisioned as a new intimate home for seniors in a family-style setting.
VŠEHRDOVA 440/7
A charming Malá Strana courtyard on Kampa, located in the unique neighborhood of the Church of sv. Jana Křtitele Na Prádle, intended to house a children’s group and a community space.
A New Role for Architects
In the upcoming summer semester, we invite you to embrace your role as future architects and explore how the architecture of social buildings can contribute to the development of the city, preserve the uniqueness of a place, and strengthen its identity.
Discover what social architecture can achieve!
SCHEDULE
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Visit of the designated parcels
Group work: analysis and establishment of design principles, presentation
Group work: production of a physical model of the surroundings of the parcels
Work on the individual architectural design
Conceptual and massing verification of solutions in variants, consultations
Model presentation of concepts
Development of the selected concept, consultations
Workshop in Kruh Educational Centre, April 3–6, 2025
Presentation of proposals and discussions about the studio exhibition format
Development of the design, consultations
Presentation of proposals before completion and considerations on the graphic design of drawings
Exhibition installation in the studio, submission of projects
Final critiques