Prague has selected a Danish architectural studio to redesign the piazzetta in front of the Fairmont Golden Prague hotel, a small but prominent space linking Pařížská Street with the Vltava riverbank.

The winning proposal comes from Copenhagen-based studio ADEPT, chosen through an international architectural and urban planning competition known as RaumScape.

The project aims to turn the existing paved forecourt into a functioning public square.

The goals are clear: reduce traffic pressure, increase greenery, improve pedestrian movement and create a space that works for daily use as well as cultural events.

The competition was launched in May last year by WIC Prague a.s., representing the owners of the Fairmont Golden Prague hotel, in cooperation with the City of Prague and the Prague 1 district.

Preparations took several years and involved negotiations with city officials, heritage authorities, urban planners and the public. The result was an open international call.

Interest exceeded expectations. A total of 197 architectural studios from 42 countries submitted proposals.

Traffic calming is a core element of the plan. The brief required architects to limit car dominance and prioritise pedestrians. Greenery also played a key role.

Out of the total area of approximately 3,200 square metres, at least 3,000 square metres must remain publicly accessible. A minimum of 600 square metres is reserved for vegetation. Space for commercial use, technical facilities and vertical access was capped at 1,000 square metres after revisions during the competition.

The estimated cost of the transformation is 150 million Czech crowns. The full amount will be paid by the private investor. The city will not contribute financially.

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