The Štvanice Bridge in Prague has been awarded the prestigious Víta Brandy Award, which celebrates structures that blend functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Since mid-last year, the bridge has linked the districts of Karlín and Holešovice, impressing the jury with its innovative design.
A total of 55 projects from across the Czech Republic participated in the “Cena Víta Brandy 2024” competition. The main prize for the best transport structure and the transformation of public spaces was awarded to the Štvanice Bridge in Prague, which has connected Karlín and Holešovice since July. The prize is given annually to projects that unite technical solutions with aesthetics and sustainability. Winners are chosen by a distinguished jury of professionals from various fields.
The Štvanice Bridge won the top prize in the category of “Transport Structures or Infrastructure Measures.” “I have always been a supporter of public art. That’s why we focused not only on the functionality of the Štvanice Bridge but also on its visual appeal. I see this award as proof that we are on the right path,” said Zdeněk Hřib, Prague’s First Deputy Mayor for Transport.
Prague is a member of the “Partnership for Urban Mobility” association, which organises the competition. Out of the 55 projects submitted, 16 were shortlisted. “One of the aims of the Víta Brandy Award is to highlight successful and valuable interventions in public spaces that have a significant positive impact on pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport,” explained Jaroslav Martinek, Director of the association.
According to Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek, the projects nominated for the main prize reflect a shift in how public space design is perceived in the Czech Republic. “The competition demonstrates that transport structures can be more than functional—they can also add value to public spaces, as shown by the Štvanice Bridge in Prague and other awarded or nominated projects.”
The Víta Brandy Award celebrates projects that integrate technical solutions with aesthetics and sustainability. The submissions were judged by a nine-member panel of experts, including professionals in transport, architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, visual arts, and environmental protection. The winners were selected independently in September. All entries can be viewed on the Víta Brandy Award website and the CityChangers Česko platform.
