REGENERATION AT THE HEART OF PRAGUE

Comprising retail and office space set within public gardens, the mixed-use Savarin project is the London-based firm’s first in the Czech Republic. “The team and I are honoured to be working on such an important site in Prague’s historic centre,” explains Thomas Heatherwick. “Our design ideas have been inspired by the details, materials and craftsmanship that we found all around the city.”

Heatherwick Studio’s design unites a number of heritage buildings by creating connections through the site and with the surrounding district. “At its heart is the creation of a major new public space, surrounding a historic 18^th-century riding hall,” Heatherwick continues. “In addition to restoring this hall and the other historic buildings, we will create three dynamic new buildings that will frame this courtyard and its riding hall. Stepped green terraces and staircases will enable people to walk up the buildings all the way to the rooftops, revealing unexpected new public spaces and views across the city.”

“Savarin has a very special place in our hearts and we feel the huge responsibility that comes with this project,” says Omar Koleilat, CEO of Crestyl, the project’s developer. “We value Heatherwick Studio for approaching each project individually, considering the genius location of the place and offering solutions that breathe life into it.”

Via designboom | Images © Heatherwick Studio and Pixelflakes