Lead Dušan 2011 - Atelier Stempel - Beneš

Baths on the Children's Island

The assignment builds on a successful series of studies of small cultural or social objects in prominent locations in the center or close proximity to the center of Prague. This includes "the church and community center in the Invalidovna housing estate" and "the Children's Community Center on Kampa." The advantage of all these assignments is, in addition to their undeniable attractiveness, the general familiarity with the location, easy accessibility, and challenging context.

On the Children's Island (formerly Maltese, Hykyš, Funk, Jewish), there is currently a complex of children's playgrounds managed by the Prague 5 municipality - a small football field, ping-pong tables, and a skatepark. On the northern side of the island stands a pylon with an allegorical statue of the Vltava River and its tributaries (Sázava, Lužnice, Berounka, Otava from 1916).

The task was to create small urban baths - a pool, sauna, whirlpools, massages. A place where we can be alone with ourselves, even though we are in the very center of a bustling metropolis. In size, they were meant to connect to the small river baths that were relatively common on the Vltava in the past (a bathing area near Žofín Island, baths on Střelecký Island) and which are gradually returning to Prague as the quality of water improves.

Among the proposals are both standalone structures on the island and objects that intersect with the island in various ways. Perhaps the most radical proposal involves splitting the island into two parts with the bathhouse object.

The proposed solutions are extraordinarily diverse - as noted by colleague Jaroslav Wertig from Atelier 69 during the final presentation. Again, it is evident what is characteristic of work in our studio. Our goal is the development of individual approaches of each student.

We hold the view that the "truth of the place" – in combination with the limiting conditions of the assignment and contexts – reveals itself to each student in its "strong significance," and they approach it differently. Our aim is to assist in its distinction and then ensure that the assignment is pursued to the maximum possible extent in all spatial, layout, construction, and material nuances.

The majority of students will then convince themselves of the feasibility of tackling this task this semester while developing the study into their Bachelor's thesis.

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Jury Comment
At first glance, the unified presentation of the projects captures attention, which demonstrates clear pedagogical guidance. A single assignment for all allows for a good comparison of the quality of proposals, and the studio presentation becomes a polyphonic dialogue that reveals the personal inclinations of individuals as well as various aspects of the assignment. River baths on the island in the center of Prague are an excellent theme for school work: a relatively small building with a fairly exclusive program has wide urban and landscape connections.