The Grand Prix of Architects was awarded for the reconstruction of the Coal Mill in Libč

Prague - The absolute winner of this year’s Grand Prix of Architects is the reconstruction of the Coal Mill in the area of the former Screw Factory in Libčice nad Vltavou. The expert jury appreciated the project by the architectural studio of Patrik Hoffman for the measured level of interventions into the structure that dates back to around 1900 and the exemplary work with detail. They deemed the method of reconstruction a precedent for other, as yet dilapidated areas. The results were announced by the organizers of the competition at today’s festive evening in the Veletržní Palace.
In the 20th year of the competition, the jurors selected from a total of 70 buildings included in seven categories. As every year, the Architects' Chamber awarded the lifetime achievement award, which was received by architect Ivo Oberstein. "For the first time this year, a person primarily engaged in urbanism has won; previously, it has been creators of houses, interiors, and gardens," stated the chairman of the Architects' Chamber, Miloš G. Parma.
The Coal Mill in Libčice nad Vltavou, besides the main award, received an award in the category of reconstructions. The architects wished for this project to kickstart the transformation of the neglected industrial area into a center that would feature studios, shops selling interesting items, and similar establishments.
The Grand Prix of Architects - National Award for Architecture is a showcase of contemporary architectural works organized by the National Gallery and the Architects' Chamber. The competition is open to both Czech and foreign architects, designers, and artists. The condition is that their work must have been completed in the past year and within the territory of the Czech Republic. The international jury, chaired by Jaume Freixa, also awarded five additional prizes and nine honorable mentions.
All projects submitted to the competition can be viewed at an exhibition in the Veletržní Palace, accessible from April 25 to June 9. After that, the exhibition will travel to Czech cities.