MARKET ON THE CITY ISLAND

Market on the city island

Open, not closed, public, not private, changing, not rigid. The task of the competition was to find a new use for Dětský Island; an abandoned river island in the centre of Prague, Czech Republic.

The River Vltava is the defining element of the city. Its islands were always perceived as something unstable and constantly changing. The fixed and stable nature of Dětský Ostrov island has only recently been formed.
Variability of use was key in the search for form and function; I therefore decided to design the open market. The variable structure is designed to turn into a venue for events, concerts, summer cinemas and seasonal festivities.

The shape of the market is based on the morphology of the island. An open structure complements an already existing surrounding of tall trees lining the island.
Connecting the northern part of the island with a new bridge is a recommendation which will support the ease of access within and around the island that would flow neatly on to the existing river promenades.
The main viewing perspectives are from the north and south, but the whole building feels interconnected with the surrounding park and river.
The construction is easy to maintain and operate, with curtains and sails adaptable to the seasons and event requirements. Another important element would be the lighting of the building and surrounding landscape, which would extend the use of the island to the evening hours.