elastik
is an international brand for networking and designing architecture,
urbanism and media with other disciplines
ARTERY - Prague [ projects, urban ]
A conversion study on Prague's 3.6 km car infrastructure, along UNESCO's central city border centre, into pedestrian oriented developments.
A collaborative project by Elastik and MAT Studio (sponsored by EFAP , Brussels and supported by CCEA , Prague)
Prague's historical city core changed from a residential area into an isolated tourist attraction area, because the six-lane Magistrala highway physically divides the city into socially, environmentally, and culturally segregated parts. Our urban analysis morphs the already planned conversion of the Magistrala into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard. Our proposal is keeping Magistrala’s structure largely intact, while softening infra-border and proposing new crossings between the historical city core and its neighbours. This opening of the boundary leads to a reinhabited centre and a reconnected city.
The Magistrala's 3,6 km stretch will compete with the Charles Bridge with its 30 sculptures to become a favorite destination. The highway will be converted into continuous green art-landscape. Curated segments of the Magistrala could host a city terrace, info center, recreation field, cycling route, outdoor gallery and much more. Tourists will be pulled out of the historical centre to mix with the real citizens of Prague.
01: MASARYK STATION AREA The multi-level, mix-use reprogramming of the Magistrala includes a transformation of the old station Masaryk which sheds its current services to an expanded nearby Central Station. New green bridge is allowing shortcuts over the rails, allowing its landings to host supportive commercial and cultural programs. Mixed used development is planned along the existing railzone, while new park, with pavilions allows recreation and larger scale events. Infra space under the viaducts facilitates studios, offices and retail. The grey zone is in time converted into a lively city entrance.
02: MUSEUM ISLAND National Museum and State Opera reconnect with Wenceslas Square and with Vinohrady area. New museum (Skoda) with other collective amenities bridges the gap over the railzone into the new pedestrian passage. New capital museum area is formed.
03: BOULEVARDS Legerova and Sokolska are in time respectfully converted into art-ery city boulevards, where slow- and fast traffic no longer interfere with each other. Ground floor collective and commercial amenities are extending the street-art collections into a lively city stroll. Sandwiched city squares, perpendicularly to the existing highway corridors, such as IP Pavlova, are converted into important city squares.
04: NUSLE BRIDGE The spectacular Nusle Bridge will accommodate suspended housing, student apartments and hotel facilities. Panoramic terraces are extended with the pavilions under the bridge, that are now vertically connected with Ostrcilovo namesti. Prague turns a boundary into a bridge by reconnecting city zones that have been divided for too long.
