The competition for the design of the square in Brno's Nový Lískovec did not yield a winner

Brno - The architectural competition for the design of a new square in Nový Lískovec, Brno, has no winner. The expert jury awarded two second places, and the final appearance of the location will emerge from further discussions with both teams. Their proposals brought a large number of ideas and are close to the final vision, said mayor Jana Drápalová (Green Party) in a press release. The aim of the architectural competition was to obtain a design for the transformation of the unused space in front of the shopping center on Petra Křivka street, as well as a proposal for the reconstruction of the former heating plant into a facility for sports, leisure, and culture.

"KOTA atelier presented a suitable and rational arrangement of public spaces, additionally complementing the area beyond the brief with objects that offer further potential for its development. The architectural details of public spaces in their design would be beneficial for the identity of the place," Drápalová stated.

The second most successful proposal was developed by a group of authors from Grido, architecture and design, s.r.o., Sebastian Sticzay, MgA. Jakub Herza, Matyáš Kytka, and Vojtěch Kettner. "It suitably places a multipurpose building in the area, which respects the surrounding urban structure. The hall located on the upper floor allows for free use of the ground floor for a café and outdoor playground facilities. At the same time, the transportation solution respects natural pedestrian routes and sensitively works with the existing terrain," the mayor added.

Although the proposals approach the final vision, they did not convincingly and technically realistically resolve all the presented questions. "While respecting the jury's recommendations, the teams have the potential to create such a public space and multipurpose complex that will serve as a new focal point of social life. We can discuss with the authors of both proposals in the coming months about developing the final project for the transformation of the location and select the one that will be the best," said deputy mayor Michael Brázda (ODS).

People expressed their ideas for the use of the area in a city survey. They would like to enhance the feeling of safety and add greenery or furniture. They also consider it appropriate to expand services, such as adding a café. The competitive proposals can be viewed in the summer at an exhibition in Nový Lískovec, organized by the Office of the City Architect of Brno, which hosted the competition.