The project for the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague is a successful intervention in a complex context that seeks to serve as an example of circular economy through the reuse and reactivation of a central building whose architectural and material value allows the union of different rehabilitation and new construction strategies.
The intervention involves the connection between an attractive and welcoming green courtyard and the adjacent buildings, where different studios, technological installations and art workshops are integrated, making the most of the building and creating common spaces designed to accommodate a busy and community life.
Technology Centre by Projektový ateliér UMPRUM. Photograph by Peter Fabo.
Project description by Projektový ateliér UMPRUM
A vacant former school building on a valuable, centrally located site next to a high-end commercial project was activated for public and creative use thanks to UMPRUM. The transformation from an elementary school to an art university not only maintains an educational function on the site but has become a vibrant, integral part of the city centre, with a wide range of communal and creative activities. The vision of the investor, the director of the Academy, and the architects of a “compact and undivided school consisting of two buildings” was implemented successfully and convincingly. The jury particularly appreciates the revitalization of this important site in the city centre and its activation for public rather than private use thanks to the public initiative and architectural ingenuity.
The refurbishment and addition respect the context of the surrounding public spaces and the city’s skyline without changing the building’s height. The building is well connected with the street through the precise positioning of the main entrance, which is accentuated by opening the façade above the entrance at its entire height, thereby making the internal function transparent and relating to the city.
Internally, an attractive green courtyard creates a lush and inviting atmosphere and connects well to the adjacent buildings. The integration of studios, technological facilities, and art workshops makes perfect use of the building and brings life to all the communal spaces, the lobby, and the circulation spaces. Even the hallways have a dual use and are equipped to host student exhibitions.
The internal spatial arrangement, access, and circulation respect the historical system and are functional and attractive in equal measure.
The idea to cover the large hall with a glass roof created an attractive, multi-functional communicative space at a central location and allows for the school’s year-round operation. As a result, the space is also well-used on weekends and during holidays by students and the community alike.
The internal organization supports visual connections and the entrance of natural light through the central, semi-transparent facilities.
In summary, the project is not only a successful architectural intervention in a complex context, but an excellent example of how to follow the 10 R principles of Circular Economy by reusing and reactivating a downtown site, the use of durable and natural materials, and the flexibility of the inner layout to enable future adaptations.
