Masaryk Square

How to improve a public space that does not need much improvement? Instead of a total redesign of Masaryk Square in Uherské Hradiště, we decided to build on its current qualities. Our inspiration came primarily from the legendary richness of Uherské Hradiště’s cultural life. The core of the spatial concept thus becomes a clearly defined central rectangular space – a multifunctional public platform – which generates “pockets” of diverse characteristics around it, functioning as the entrance spaces of the surrounding streets and the forecourts of important buildings. The square is thus not just one – there are five of them.

We perceive the central rectangular part as an urban living room – the heart of the city and the region. It is a multifunctional stage adapted for various cultural events – whether it is a film festival, wine festival, Slovácké summer, Christmas markets or even everyday activities. In front of the town hall, the church and the Jesuit college, this stage defines the first of the “pockets” – the so-called representative foreground. It is deliberately austere in order to highlight the importance of the above-mentioned landmarks. It is complemented only by a new water feature, which becomes the focal point of the place, offering space for play and relaxation.

The second “pocket” is located on the northwest side of the square, where the existing lime tree line has been expanded with new tree plantings. This creates a green oasis that offers desirable shade during the summer months, promotes biodiversity, reduces the heat island of the city and allows for stormwater runoff and retention through permeable paving. This space allows for informal gatherings, seating around the historic fountain, even taking into account the daily traffic of the square when no events are taking place.

Besides the spatial composition, the aspect of variability was also crucial for us. It is the public events that we perceive as an integral part of the square’s form. The theme of variability is thus also inscribed into the planned physical interventions. Apart from the newly designed fountain with variable water columns, it is also an adaptable pavilion located in a part of the corso in the third of the above mentioned “pockets”. The different scenarios make the pavilion a variable element that offers different uses. It can become a meeting space in the shade, an exhibition pavilion or an occasional infopoint. Together with the fountain, both elements freely transcribe the aesthetics of the region’s folk traditions.

Part of the assignment was also a requirement for the design of streets radiating from the area of Masaryk Square. Nádražní Street is completed with tree lines and permeable pavement. The space provides the possibility of a lively parterre with terraces and thus offers the potential for the development of this street, connecting the station with the city centre. In contrast, Poštovní Street provides access to the town office, post office and several short-term parking spaces located along the southern frontage of the square. Protzkarova Street is then planted with extensive flowerbeds in the central part of the street profile and forms an adequate foreground to the entrance to the town office together with the Art School.

Masaryk Square

credits

project: Renovation of the Masaryk Square
location: Uherské Hradiště
year: 2024
status: competition, 2nd place
team: Natálie Hodková, Georgi Dimitrov, Daniel Struhařík,
Jan Urbášek, Tereza Čamborová, Ondřej Machač,
Vojtěch Heralecký, Vlasta Hábová (landscape),
Ondřej Kvaček (traffic)
images: willbe studio
topics: renovation of a square, five squares in one,
multifunctional platform, variability of public space,
working with urban model

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