Serbia cultivates its center according to the MED ARKITEKT project
New public spaces connect the municipality and the landscape.
The municipality of Srbsko presented a set of newly redesigned public spaces according to the proposal by the MED ARKITEKT studio. The project builds on a competition proposal and transforms selected parts of the center into a readable and friendly structure of places for everyday life. It is a connected system of spaces that complement each other and create a natural focal point for the municipality. The official opening took place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with the participation of representatives of the municipality, local residents, and representatives of MAS and IROP, who were involved in the administration of the grant process. The project was funded by the Integrated Regional Operational Program (IROP).
The municipality began considering the architectural competition as early as 2016. The main reason was the overall unification and concept of the municipality's center. "It was necessary to adjust the space in front of the school, the municipal office, and the bus stop. Each space was adjusted at a different time, by different eyes, with different contractors, according to different visions. And that was the reason we decided to announce an architectural competition. I believed that quality public spaces are primarily usable spaces, and that is what we focused on," says Ms. Biskupová, the former mayor who initiated the competition.
The follow-up project builds on the architectural competition and focuses on three key locations – the square U Lípy by the Berounka River, the area around the chapel, and the forecourt of the municipal office. These points today serve as the basic framework of public space, allowing for diverse forms of use from short stops to longer stays. Originally fragmented places thus gain clearer order and cohesion.
The design is based on the context of the Protected Landscape Area of Český kras and sensitively works with the scale and character of the municipality. The architects sought a balance between contemporary expression and respect for the local environment – the result is a solution that does not appear ostentatious but naturally complements the existing structure. The broader connection is also important: the realization was coordinated with other investments, including adjustments to the main road and the reconstruction of the train station, so the public space today functions as a cohesive whole. One of the key moments is the transformation of the original parking area into a square with a simple shelter. The transportation background becomes a meeting place that enhances the staying character of the center. Similarly, the space around the chapel has undergone calming and unification – the new stone pavement emphasizes its significance and links to historical continuity, while the chapel itself was sensitively restored, including details, before the modifications.
The entire design is permeated by a modest material concept, which connects the individual places. Stone, supplemented by small corten elements referring to the industrial past of the area, creates a discreet but cohesive expression. This is complemented by a new information and navigation system developed in collaboration with graphic designer Kamila Kučerová, which responds to the tourist appeal of the municipality without visually overwhelming the space. Vegetation also plays a significant role. Trees – especially the linden tree in the square and the willow by the chapel – function not only as compositional elements but also as carriers of the identity of individual places. Together with perennial plant areas inspired by the surrounding landscape, they help to naturally connect the built environment with the landscape of Český kras.
"The village has always had its charm, but I believe that with our architectural designs, visions, and ideas, we have added to its attractiveness and that the transformed space brings even more joy to current and future generations," adds Ms. Biskupová regarding the realization.
The municipality began considering the architectural competition as early as 2016. The main reason was the overall unification and concept of the municipality's center. "It was necessary to adjust the space in front of the school, the municipal office, and the bus stop. Each space was adjusted at a different time, by different eyes, with different contractors, according to different visions. And that was the reason we decided to announce an architectural competition. I believed that quality public spaces are primarily usable spaces, and that is what we focused on," says Ms. Biskupová, the former mayor who initiated the competition.
The follow-up project builds on the architectural competition and focuses on three key locations – the square U Lípy by the Berounka River, the area around the chapel, and the forecourt of the municipal office. These points today serve as the basic framework of public space, allowing for diverse forms of use from short stops to longer stays. Originally fragmented places thus gain clearer order and cohesion.
The design is based on the context of the Protected Landscape Area of Český kras and sensitively works with the scale and character of the municipality. The architects sought a balance between contemporary expression and respect for the local environment – the result is a solution that does not appear ostentatious but naturally complements the existing structure. The broader connection is also important: the realization was coordinated with other investments, including adjustments to the main road and the reconstruction of the train station, so the public space today functions as a cohesive whole. One of the key moments is the transformation of the original parking area into a square with a simple shelter. The transportation background becomes a meeting place that enhances the staying character of the center. Similarly, the space around the chapel has undergone calming and unification – the new stone pavement emphasizes its significance and links to historical continuity, while the chapel itself was sensitively restored, including details, before the modifications.
The entire design is permeated by a modest material concept, which connects the individual places. Stone, supplemented by small corten elements referring to the industrial past of the area, creates a discreet but cohesive expression. This is complemented by a new information and navigation system developed in collaboration with graphic designer Kamila Kučerová, which responds to the tourist appeal of the municipality without visually overwhelming the space. Vegetation also plays a significant role. Trees – especially the linden tree in the square and the willow by the chapel – function not only as compositional elements but also as carriers of the identity of individual places. Together with perennial plant areas inspired by the surrounding landscape, they help to naturally connect the built environment with the landscape of Český kras.
"The village has always had its charm, but I believe that with our architectural designs, visions, and ideas, we have added to its attractiveness and that the transformed space brings even more joy to current and future generations," adds Ms. Biskupová regarding the realization.
The English translation is powered by AI tool. Switch to Czech to view the original text source.
0 comments
add comment
