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Image credit: Consequence forma.

Senovazne namesti

Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

Description: Creation of a public square integrated into a green and blue belt all around the old town

Location: Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

Mission: Concept Design / Detailed Design

Current Stage: 2 stage competition

Period: 2022

Area: 4 ha (1st stage) and 1,4 ha (2nd stage)

Client: Statutární město České Budějovice

Architect: Consequence forma

Djao-Rakitine Team: Irene Djao-Rakitine, Amélia Chevée

The square is positioned in a rich cultural urban context, with the Mlýnská voda river in the foreground and the Church of the Holy Family in the background. The river is celebrated, and its surroundings have been reimagined to create welcoming spaces accessible to all.
The vegetation combines existing and newly planted trees, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. At the heart of the space, in front of the old Post Office, a fountain has been designed as a flexible gathering point, inviting interaction whether the water is flowing or still.

Senovážné náměstí Square is located on the outskirts of the old town of České Budějovice, in the south of the Czech Republic. Its position in the city is an exceptional opportunity to create a new typology of public space in České Budějovice. The space created is a continuation of the green and blue grid along Mlýnská voda, a watercourse reopened on the occasion of the project, to the Malše River, while also becoming the gateway to the historic city center.

By redefining and reintegrating Senovážné Square into the structure of the city, the significance of this public space will be restored, to serve the historical continuity of the place.

An important element within this project is the circular promenade on the central hill that opens the site and make the square easily accessible to and from the surrounding context. This part of Senovážné Square becomes a focal point of the cultural district, consisting of various institutions, such as the Cultural House of Slavia and the South Bohemian Theater.

The square links to the existing green belt as it links with the small park encompassing Slavia and the embankment of the two rivers, in a natural ring around the historic center, suitable for walking and cycling. The waterfront carries both urban and natural character, providing a place where all generations can enjoy the water.

All images are © Djao-Rakitine, unless otherwise stated.

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