Architecture as an Ace up Ostrava’s Sleeve (2. strana)
Concert Hall, Steven Holl Ostrava skyscraper, Eva Jiřičná ARCHITEKTURA Architecture as an Ace up
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ARCHITECTURE
Ostrava is transforming almost at
every turn. Why is the city placing
such a strong focus on architectural
development?
We believe that investing in interesting,
functional, and original architecture
is one of the key drivers of Ostrava’s
development. Of course, we understand
that these must be buildings that
captivate, appeal to people, and embody
a sense of timelessness and added
value. That’s why we regularly announce
architectural, urban planning, and other
design competitions to arrive at the best
possible solutions. We engage not only
experts—architects, urban planners, and
transport specialists—but also investors
and enthusiasts from the general public
who are interested in the transformation
of places they often grew up next to.
The fact that we are on the right track is
evidenced by the various awards we have
received in architectural competitions,
as well as by the high-profile names that
enter our competitions, both from the
Czech Republic and abroad. Two prime
examples: the project for the new concert
hall was designed by the renowned New
York architect Steven Holl, while the so-
called Ostrava skyscraper on Ostrčilova
Street will be renovated based on the
design of the equally famous Eva Jiřičná.
In this context, I would like to highlight
that our architectural efforts have a broad
scope. They encompass not only buildings
for cultural and social use but also
residential developments, sports halls and
stadiums, historical landmarks, and many
other significant projects.
What developments
can we expect in 2025?
Work has already begun on several
projects—one of the most significant
being the aforementioned concert hall.
Notably, this was the largest architectural
competition in Ostrava’s modern history.
Major architectural competitions are
also ongoing. a particularly important
project is the Žofinka urban-architectural
competition, which will lead to the
creation of an entirely new city district
situated between the historic center,
Nová Karolina, and Dolní Vítkovice—key
development areas. Of course, this is
a long-term endeavor. Among the ongoing
competitions, the City Services House
project is certainly worth mentioning. We
are also preparing a competition for the
redevelopment of the area near Ostrava-
Stodolní railway station and the extended
Místecká road. This includes the space
around Tatran Hall, the former Bauhaus
building, and the adjacent parking lot. The
winning design must present a new urban
structure that aligns with the significance
of Ostrava’s city center.
Currently, the most closely watched
architectural competition in Ostrava
is the New Bazaly project, aimed at
bringing football club Baník back to the
place where it experienced its greatest
successes. The new stadium will meet
the strictest modern international
standards while also becoming another
architectural landmark of the city. We are
particularly pleased with the participation
of highly renowned architectural studios
in the competition.
Let’s take a brief detour into small-
scale architecture. Ostrava’s public
spaces are said to be filled with ideas
from the city’s own residents…
You‘re right. For seven years now, we
have been running the Tvoříme prostor
(Creating Space) grant program under the
fajnOVA initiative. Through this program,
the city actively encourages residents to
come forward with their own ideas on how
to improve, beautify, or otherwise enhance
their surroundings. If their proposals are
approved by an expert committee, the
city contributes up to half a million Czech
crowns toward their realisation. And let’s
be honest—that’s enough to make a real
difference! We are thrilled that Tvoříme
prostor immediately resonated with
the community and received a strong
response from locals. Over the years,
it has led to the creation of numerous
playgrounds, parks, gardens, front yards,
barbecue pavilions, and many other
spaces that connect generations, revive
neighborhood relationships, and simply
make the community a true community.
The same applies to the revitalisation of
residential courtyards and spaces in front
of buildings.
Both individuals and non-commercial,
non-governmental organisations, as
well as housing cooperatives and
homeowners‘ associations, are eligible to
apply for the grant.
A final visionary thought. Could the
city’s ambitions reach so far that
Ostrava might one day become the
„architectural salon of the republic“?
That is already happening to a great
extent! You won’t find another Czech
city that has made its mark in the Mies
van der Rohe Award. Our architectural
competitions attract the attention of
top-tier studios—and with them, exciting
investors. Today, Ostrava is increasingly
becoming a laboratory for modern
architecture, urban planning, and design.
We should not forget that this also makes
it an inspiring and visionary metropolis.
I don’t like to overuse grand statements,
but I truly believe we are moving
toward firmly embedding architectural
creativity, uniqueness, and originality
into Ostrava’s identity. My hope is that
in the near future, the city’s architectural
appeal will be seen as an inseparable part
of its character—just as we instinctively
associate Ostrava with football club
Baník. This brings us back to the new
Bazaly project, and for us, the circle is
symbolically closing nicely.
Invesng in interesng,
funconal, and original
architecture is key driver of
Ostrava’s development.
Our architectural compeons
aract the aenon of top-
er studios—and with them,
excing investors.