Reconstruction of the large mammals pavilion into the Amazon pavilion - competition results

1st Prize (1,000,000 CZK): Len+k architekti s. r. o.
This design was unequivocally evaluated by the jury as the most suitable in both architectural and operational-technical terms. The external appearance is in accordance with the requirements for maximum integration of the building into the landscape context of the Zoo. Of all the submitted proposals, it offered the most interesting and appropriate solution for the internal space and exhibits while simultaneously addressing zoological and operational requirements the best. It preserves the existing structure to the maximum extent while simultaneously creating a completely new architectural quality. It thoroughly resolves flood protection and also addresses the technical building services (TZB) issues. The overall qualities of the proposal are originality, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. The competition design is at a significantly higher qualitative level compared to the other proposals.
 
2nd Prize: Not awarded
 
3rd Prize (400,000 CZK): Echorost architekti
The jury positively evaluated primarily the external appearance of the building and its integration into the landscape context of the Zoo, as well as the careful and credible elaboration of the competition proposal. The spatial quality of the exhibit is limited by the chosen area of the building’s roofing. However, the selected construction is economical and preserves a larger part of the original structure. The zoological and operational solution was not positively accepted even after refinement. Flood protection is largely solved by a newly constructed façade wall, which increases the investment costs of the project. The technical building services comply with the assignment requirements.
 
Award (200,000 CZK): PROJEKTIL ARCHITEKTI s. r. o.
The external architectural expression is sensitive to the Zoo area. The chosen roof shape allows for a suitably high internal space. The exhibit design is addressed acceptably concerning the assignment, but it is overly schematic, with inconsistencies between illustrations and sections. The illustration of the internal space is misleading as it creates an impression of integral lighting. Although it is an economically relatively acceptable solution, a downside is the significant demolition of the original structure. The flood protection solution is not acceptable for the Zoo as it assumes mobile barriers, the installation of which, considering the necessary evacuation of other Zoo areas, is not feasible due to time constraints. The technical building services meet the assignment requirements.
 
Award (100,000 CZK): AND, spol. s r. o., architectural studio
The proposed building is relatively suitably integrated into the context of the Zoo due to its external appearance. The chosen construction allows for the creation of an internal environment with varying heights. The exhibit is not well resolved from the perspective of the Zoo—the play elements and rainforest buffet occupy exhibition space intended for animals; generally, anthropomorphic elements are overused in the exhibits. The proposal requires the demolition of a larger part of the original building, which contradicts the assignment. The support system for the roof structure is unclear. Flood protection is solved with a new perimeter wall, which will lead to increased investment costs of the building. The TZB solution is acceptable.
 
Award (100,000 CZK): CASUA spol. s. r. o.
The proposed solution is pragmatic in terms of external appearance; however, it is not very suitably incorporated into the context of the Zoo. The internal environment hides the chance for quality daylighting; however, the exhibit design does not utilize this advantage. The hall spaces primarily situate visitor communication areas at the expense of exhibits. The truss support structure of the roofing would have to be supplemented in its lower plane with mesh for protection against birds' eyesight. The design requires demolishing a larger part of the original structure, which is contrary to the assignment. The new roof support structure is designed economically, and the same can be said for the flood protection measures. The TZB solution is relatively schematic and does not address the cleaning of pool water.
 
More information >