Ostrava knows the winners of the transformation of six locations along the main route through the city

Ostrava – The Ostrava City Studio for Spatial Planning and Architecture (MAPPA) has selected the winning proposals for the transformation of six locations on the busy streets of 28th October and Opavská. In the future, the city aims to change the appearance of this main thoroughfare. However, it first wants to begin with so-called quick interventions, which are non-construction modifications that do not require a permitting process. In March, it announced a competition for the modification of identified locations. Interested architects, designers, and planners could choose any number of the designated locations for their proposals. A total of 18 participants submitted applications, with many proposing solutions for multiple locations. The winners of the competition will now further develop their proposals. This was shared with reporters today by Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová (ANO).

"The 28th October and Opavská streets are essentially the main connection in Ostrava, a primary landmark and boulevard, which currently serves primarily a traffic function. However, it is a street that should primarily function as an urban thoroughfare, offering urban functions, connecting spaces, providing various activities, and creating an interesting and attractive environment," Bajgarová stated.

According to her, Ostrava has been long-term preparing several projects for this area, including its connection for cyclists. However, it wants to start with quick modifications of selected public spaces. The applications for the competition included architectural briefs, where authors described and illustrated with sketches how they would approach the modification of the given place. "Participants in the open call were not tasked with creating proposals for modifications of the space, but rather with best conveying their professional approach to the locations they selected. This allowed us to assess how they understood the issues and potential of the given place and how they would continue to work with it. However, when evaluating, we also considered the economic feasibility of the proposals," stated MAPPA director Ondřej Vysloužil.

For example, at the first addressed location, the section of 28th October street near Smetanovo Square, the proposal includes the temporary placement of trees in bags made of recycled materials. In Mariánské Hory at the intersection with Sokola Tůmy street, the winning authors base their idea on placing striking elements, specifically chairs of unconventional dimensions, in an area that lacks clear use. There is also a plan to use a refreshment stand that is already in place.

The finalized proposals along with all documentation must be submitted by the winners by June 25. Modifications are set to begin in July this year. The projects are expected to be completed in the first half of next year. The total costs for the modifications of all six locations will not exceed 3.5 million crowns.