ZIZKOV TOWER
ZIZKOV TOWER
A new residential community in one of Prague’s most storied neighbourhoods
Year → 2018
Status → Competition
Team → de baes architects & frontofficetokyo
de baes architects was invited to design a full-fledged residential community in Zizkov, a historically working-class district of Prague known for its counter-cultural cachet, arts scene, and vibrant nightlife. The project was to replace the Zizkov Television Tower, a communist-era transmitter station that stands as the tallest building in Prague—and one of its least beloved. The new design had to evoke the history of the site while adding residential units to create a new public hub in Prague and link the surrounding cultural destinations together cohesively.
Rooted in Place
The design of our tower takes its cues from the Zizkov Television Tower it replaces, a high-tech-style structure designed as three columns in a tripod-like configuration. To recall the former structure, we created a single tower that comprises three legs that converge at the top. This playful approach minimizes the footprint—allowing the landscape and walkways to continue across the site—and creates a pyramidal void that maximizes natural light and ventilation in the residences.
Encouraging Community
We programmed the tower to offer amenities for residents and visitors from the city, giving shape to a well-integrated community that enriches its surroundings. The top acts as a town square high above the city, offering a public observation deck, shops, and restaurants where residents and visitors can socialize. The legs of the tower contain residences oriented to frame sweeping views of the city. A kindergarten at the base of the building caters to growing families, allowing residents to drop their children at school before going to work.
Integrating with the Surroundings
The site sits nearby several major cultural attractions, including the Zizkov freight station—under redevelopment into an art and culture hub—and two cemeteries noted for their art nouveau monuments. The tower stands in a park that connects the site to these nearby attractions and the surrounding city. Footpaths weave through the tower’s splayed legs, creating a continuous landscape. Parking is set underground and accessible from the north and the south, leaving the park free of vehicular traffic.