The redevelopment of Prague’s Florenc neighbourhood is progressing. Penta Real Estate, in cooperation with the City of Prague and the Prague 1 and Prague 8 districts, has launched four international architectural competitions. The goal is to identify the best architectural solutions for four building blocks situated between the main road and the Florenc bus station. An international jury will select the winning designs.
An international urban planning competition for this area was already held in 2021, with the team of UNIT architects, A69 – architects, and Marko&Placemakers emerging as the winners. Detailed planning is now underway based on this award-winning urban design. A key aspect of the regulatory plan is the creation of two main pedestrian streets that will connect the city districts of Nové Město, Karlín, and Žižkov. These pathways will pass through strategic locations such as the main road and the Negrelli viaduct.
“Three years ago, the Florenc 21 urban planning competition demonstrated how to overcome the challenge of mutual distrust,” explains Petr Hlaváček, Deputy Mayor of Prague. “It initiated a process where all key stakeholders were heard. The result is a highly regarded urban design that we can now refine further. I am confident that the mutual trust and the desire to create a truly functional neighbourhood will be reflected in the quality of the architecture emerging from these competitions.”
The first phase of development will focus on the western part of the neighbourhood along the main road. Four buildings will be constructed here, with each one being designed in a separate competition. To promote architectural diversity, the jury plans to combine designs from different teams within each block. This approach aims to create a blend typical of Prague, giving the neighbourhood a unique character.
A total of up to 85,000 m² of gross floor space (GFA) is expected to be created. Over half of this space will be dedicated to flats, while 20% will be allocated to office space, and another 20% to retail and services. A hotel, planned for a building along the railway line, will occupy around 4% of the total area.
Architectural teams from around the world can register for the competition until 13 December 2024. The jury will then select six to eight finalists per project based on the submitted designs, reference projects, and the team’s experience. The winning designs will be announced in autumn 2025.
Florenc is a district named after the founding of Prague’s New Town when Emperor Charles IV allowed the settlement of merchants and craftsmen from Florence, Italy. Today, it lies at the intersection of several districts and has long formed the inner periphery of the city. However, it is also one of the city’s most important development areas and a key hub for urban, rail, and road transport, which may significantly influence the future shape and perception of the city as a whole.
