Prague, Czech Republic
After winning an international competition, Henning Larsen Architects and Ramboll will transform Prague’s central station connecting the historic central station and terminal hall with Vrchlického Sady Park to become a welcoming gateway to Prague.
“Our vision for Nový hlavák extends beyond the traditional concept of a station. We aspire to create a space that embeds itself in the fabric of people’s lives, leaving them with lasting memories. The journey through Nový hlavák is designed to evoke traditional station sentiments, a nostalgic and familiar experience that transforms the act of passing through the station into a truly fantastic moment,” says Jacob Kurek, Global Market Director, Henning Larsen Architects.
“Our commitment goes beyond creating a structure for transportation; it’s about enhancing daily experiences. Nový hlavák is meticulously designed for super-efficient functionality, ensuring seamless mobility for everyone. The station aims to redefine the very idea of what a daily commute can be, making it not just a journey but an experience that adds value to people’s lives.”
The new station prioritizes low-emission transport and micro-mobility, making public transit and travel by foot and bike the most desirable mode of transport.
The station will connect to the city’s planned bike network with easy bicycle access and parking, supporting Prague’s ambitions to lower the city’s carbon emissions.
Celebrating the architectural heritage of Prague’s central station and its historic surroundings, Nový Hlavák will preserve and transform the Hlavni Nadrazi station.
The Hlavni Nadrazi terminal hall’s iconic design elements will be preserved, reimagined, and extended to accommodate the increase in capacity.
The terminal’s striped paved flooring and iconic curved design elements will remain, paying homage to Hlavni Nadrazi’s original playfulness and unique modernist architecture.
Breaking down the borders of the complex, former station, Nový hlavák will be a dynamic space that welcomes visitors to the city.
On arrival at Nový Hlavák from the city center visitors will be greeted by the park and a bustling pavilion that acts as a gateway to the Fantova Building, creating a lively destination to pass through and explore.
Central to the design is a large, open-roof timber canopy, unifying the surrounding park, central station, and communal transport center.
To host a new tram stop and city transport plan, the glulam roof will be lifted 13.8 meters above the terminal floor replacing the existing steel girder and parking deck.
The structure will feature lightweight ETFE roof cladding and allow for improved views of the park, the Fantova Building, and the surrounding skyline, easing pedestrian flow and safety, and inviting people to enjoy the space.
The terminal hall will feature an improved layout implementing intuitive wayfinding for visitors. Integrating climate comfort, ample daylight, and direct visual connections to all surrounding areas.
The design prioritizes user well-being and safety as well as traffic and crisis scenario management.
The Vrchlického sady Park will be revitalized, divided into a cultural zone, activity zone, and the central arrival plaza, creating areas for Christmas markets, a quick commute, or an afternoon picnic providing easy and direct access to the station.
Preserving the historic identity of the park and reflecting in its new form is central to our design, an abundance of native vegetation will be planted, and existing historic trees preserved.
The landscape will incorporate stormwater management and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
The team was awarded first place on 27th November in the draft design competition for Prague Central Station.
Project: Prague Central Station
Architects: Henning Larsen Architects
Associate Architects: Ramboll
Clients: The Capital City of Prague, Správa Selznick, Prague Public Transport Company
Renderings: Henning Larsen Architects and Ramboll
