FLORENC21 Phase West International Architecture Competition

Transforming Prague’s Florenc District

The Florenc21: Phase West international architectural competition invites leading architectural firms to envision a transformative redevelopment of four prominent city blocks in the Florenc District, at the heart of Prague. Organized by Penta Real Estate, this competition is open for registration until 13 December 2024, with concept design submissions due by 7 February 2025.

A Vision for a Vibrant, Mixed-Use Neighborhood

The competition aims to generate innovative proposals for a mixed-use development that includes 85,000 sqm of new homes, offices, leisure areas, and retail spaces. The project is part of the larger Florenc redevelopment zone, which aspires to create a lively and diverse urban environment.

Four Blocks, Four Competitions

The site is divided into four distinct blocks, each with its dedicated competition. These competitions will run in three parallel phases, overseen by a shared jury of renowned architectural figures. The jury includes esteemed names such as Stefan Behnisch, Maria Alessandra Segantini, Kees Christiaanse, and Czech Architecture Prize winner Štěpán Valouch.

A High-Quality Architectural Standard

According to Stefan Behnisch, chairman of the jury, the competition sets a high bar for design excellence, reflecting the expectations of both the city of Prague and the project owners. “This is a high-level architectural competition. We are eager to find the best solution for the development of Florenc.”

David Musil, Managing Director of Penta Real Estate, emphasized the project’s significance: “This is a rare opportunity to transform a central urban brownfield into a vibrant and architecturally diverse neighborhood.”

Competition Process and Rewards

The competition will proceed through three workshops, where stakeholders, the jury, and participants will engage in direct dialogue. The selection process includes:

1. Round One: Open to all applicants meeting basic criteria, requiring design ideas and portfolios.
2. Round Two: Up to eight participants shortlisted.
3. Round Three: Finalists narrowed to four per competition block.

Winners will be announced in autumn 2025, and all shortlisted teams will be remunerated. A total reward of 700,000 EUR will be distributed among participants.

Building on a Respected Masterplan

The competition builds upon the award-winning Florenc21 masterplan developed by UNIT Architects, A69, and Marko & Placemakers in 2021. This foundational plan balanced diverse interests and provided a model for inclusive urban redevelopment.

Conclusion

The Florenc21: Phase West competition represents a landmark opportunity for architectural innovation in a historically significant part of Prague. It invites collaboration and creativity to shape a sustainable, functional, and vibrant neighborhood, continuing the legacy of high-quality design in the city.

Competition Details