Architectural Competition for Ostrava’s New Žofinka District Has Two Winners
The international urban and architectural competition for the design of Ostrava’s future Žofinka district concluded with an unusual result: two proposals were awarded first place. The jury deemed both designs of equal quality, granting the top prize jointly to the Prague-based studio Pavel Hnilička Architects+Planners and the Danish studio ADEPT, which competed alongside Czech partners atelier.tečka, VEN.KU architekti, ohboi studio, and transport experts VECTURA Pardubice.
From the press conference announcing the results of the architectural competition. Photo: Adolf Horsinka.
The competition aimed to find the best urban solution for a new residential-oriented neighborhood. The future Žofinka district is envisioned as a vibrant, inclusive community offering quality public spaces, green areas, a range of housing options, services, shops, schools, and workplaces for all generations and income levels.
The results were officially announced on 6 June by representatives of the competition’s investor, Pod Žofinkou Holding, together with Ostrava’s Mayor Jan Dohnal and Deputy Mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová.
In the final round, three shortlisted teams presented their visions. Besides the two winners, the third finalist was the Czech-Slovak team of Studio Perspektiv and Marko&Placemakers.
Mayor Jan Dohnal emphasized the broader vision: “Transforming this underused brownfield into a thriving city district is part of a larger regeneration project stretching from Černá louka through Nová Karolina and Žofinka to the Lower Vítkovice area. The entire zone will be connected by a new 1.6-kilometer urban boulevard – ‘the one-mile avenue’ – integrating pedestrian, cycling, and barrier-free access, as well as attractive public spaces.”
Deputy Mayor Baránková Vilamová added: “High-quality architecture is a priority for Ostrava. We use architectural competitions to shape not only buildings but entire neighborhoods. These competitions offer diverse perspectives and ensure a transparent process.”
Each winning team brought a unique approach. ADEPT’s vision focuses on a people-friendly district with green courtyards, lively squares, and a public school at its heart. Pavel Hnilička’s concept reimagines Žofinka as a proud city quarter emerging from the remnants of industry, linked by a linear park weaving through the site from Trojhalí to Lower Vítkovice.
The investor will now negotiate with both winners to select a partner for the next project phase, including master planning and detailed documentation, with a final decision expected before the summer holidays.
The competition, launched in July 2024, was organized as a non-anonymous workshop allowing direct dialogue between participants and the jury. Experts in transport, sustainability, heritage, and urban planning were involved throughout the process.
A total of 29 teams applied, with 7 selected for the first round. The final three presented their refined proposals to a jury composed of renowned architects and landscape designers.
More information can be found at www.zofinka.cz.