Urban-concept of Papirak in Liberec - architectural competition, 2nd place
The urban concept builds on the original city structure, evident from the stable cadastre and the current remnants of existing buildings within the site. The area is well connected along a north-south axis and forms a varied, small-scale block layout. The proposed blocks are permeable rather than closed, creating semi-private courtyards that primarily serve the residents of the buildings while also partially accommodating the wider public.
The new urban structure features four main centers and several sub-centers. The main centers are 1) Papírové Square, enhanced with surrounding buildings for better legibility; 2) City Terraces, with a public multifunctional forecourt including a café; 3) Linserka Creative Center Square, located near key tram and bus nodes; and 4) The Nisa River Embankment, adjacent to major public transport hubs and traversed by the main Odra-Nisa cycling route.
Smaller sub-centers (SC) serve their immediate areas and consist of semi-permeable courtyards that complement local amenities. These courtyards are interconnected and provide space for residents’ gardens as well as, under certain arrangements, the broader public — including playgrounds, community gardens, and restaurant terraces.
A special sub-center is the inner courtyard of the new Linserka Creative Center (KC) block, offering space for diverse events such as outdoor exhibitions, summer cinema, and festivals. This area is connected at ground level to the adjacent triangular square, creating a cohesive and multifunctional public space.
The proposed urban structure is based on several key building elements. The first involves consolidating certain important functions during construction, such as unified shared underground parking for a complete block or two, rather than addressing parking separately for small, individual blocks, which would be much more challenging.
Building heights vary according to the site context, creating spatial and scale differentiation — from three-story family houses to five-story buildings with locally taller six-story structures. Other characteristic elements include recessed ground floors, which expand the street space along residential streets, and higher clear heights on the first above-ground floor, allowing for multifunctional, spatially flexible uses such as living, business, retail, or workshops.
Another common principle is the use of setback floors above the main two stories, which reduces the perceived mass of the building and allows more natural light to reach the street. Roofs are designed to be variable — pitched, mono-pitched, or flat with terraces or green roofs. Roofs should always allow the installation of photovoltaic panels, and may also incorporate rooftop greenhouses or winter gardens, which can locally capture and manage rainwater.
Sustainable design is a priority, including the use of renewable energy sources, passive building standards, heat recovery, and on-site rainwater management. On a broader scale, connections to a central sustainable heating source — such as biogas for larger urban areas — are also an important consideration.
The City Terraces combine a representative space, quiet corners with views of Ještěd, and an outdoor theater stage. The main goal is to improve accessibility across the different levels, allowing free movement between them. The lower flat area is finished with compacted earth and can be adapted as needed — from a sports field to a theater stage or dance floor. The adjacent slope naturally forms a seating area, while the lowest level includes several rows of stepped seating. From the two upper terrace levels, visitors can observe activities along walls and railings.
The southwest part of the terraces serves as a garden for a new café. The entrance to the bunker is covered, creating a pleasant arcade.
The planting concept includes a structural framework of long-lived trees such as Quercus robur and Tilia cordata, complemented by fruit trees. The aim is to evoke the atmosphere of terraced gardens. Most fruit trees are placed on the lowest terrace level, providing a pleasant microclimate while not obstructing views from the upper terraces. Additional fruit trees are located on the top terrace level, also to minimize view obstruction. Vine plants are integrated into the sloped terrain, while shaded areas are planted with groundcover vegetation.
Aesthetic elements in the space emphasize the character of the terraces. Metal railings highlight the wall lines, with wide handrails offering comfortable support for enjoying the views. Similarly, shading structures reference the hanging of colored fabrics through their form. Selected terrace locations feature benches, and the lower level includes movable tables and chairs. This lower level also allows connection to the power supply via ground-level outlets.
Team: Rehwaldt Landscape Architects + momentura
Landscape design: Dipl.-Ing. Till Rehwadt, Ing. Eliska Cerná, Ing. arch. Adela Chmelova, Ing. Eliska Olsanska
Urban-design concept: Ing. arch. Michal Rouha, Ing. arch. Marie Delongova, Ing. arch. Anton Vinas
Transportation concept: Ing. Jan Eibl