Vltava Philharmonic Hall

We envision creating the next generation cultural meeting point where the Philharmonic Hall and urban life merge into one. The starting point for our proposal is creating a high-quality public place to make a natural meeting point for both music lovers and the broad public. Building upon a human-centered and urban approach, we start molding the Philharmonic Hall creating a building with the highest ambition of public space and cultural experience, establishing a unique setting for 24/7 urban life and music along the Vltava.

The mere size of the plot is so big, our proposal is as much urban development as it’s a building. We see the plot as a catalyst in the urban transformation of Bubny and Holešovice. The plot marks a cornerstone in the Holešovice Bubny – Zátory transformation plan and should mark a characteristic building and meeting place, while connecting the Holešovice neighborhood to the waterfront.

Program: Philharmonic and Urban Plaza
Size: 52.000 m2
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Client: The City of Prague
Year: 2022
Type: Competition
Collaborators: Arup Group, Bogl
Role: Main architectural advisor
Team JAJA: Jakob Christensen, Jan Tanaka, Kathrin Gimmel, Stephen Dietz-Hodgson, Connor Forecast, Kaspar Dettinger, Julie Kongsbak, Evita Marioglou, Alice Miller, Magnus Tollnes Kjærnes

Urban Catalyst

The Philharmonic is situated in the meeting of two axes, the beginning of the Magistral and the blue-green structure along Vltava River. We propose a hybrid building typology that meets the urban streets with a clear façade while stepping back offering the neighborhood and visitors a spectacular landscape and park overlooking the city of Prague. At the heart of the building are the Performance Halls. They are arranged in two monumental blocks; Main Hall to the east, Small Hall, Multipurpose Hall and Events Rooms and restaurant to the west, rising out of an open, welcoming and vibrant public atrium.

Urban Catalyst

The Philharmonic is situated in the meeting of two axes, the beginning of the Magistral and the blue-green structure along Vltava River. We propose a hybrid building typology that meets the urban streets with a clear façade while stepping back offering the neighborhood and visitors a spectacular landscape and park overlooking the city of Prague. At the heart of the building are the Performance Halls. They are arranged in two monumental blocks; Main Hall to the east, Small Hall, Multipurpose Hall and Events Rooms and restaurant to the west, rising out of an open, welcoming and vibrant public atrium.

360° Access

Designed as a natural integrated public landscape in the city, the philharmonic’s rooftop landscape is accessible for pedestrians from all four corners of the building. The landscape consists of a series of plateaus, pockets, and openings providing a porous landscape and a vibrant life around the Philharmonic.

The Vltava River is the biggest natural quality at the site. Therefore the Philharmonic and its public landscape is connected all the way down to the waterfront.

360° Access

Designed as a natural integrated public landscape in the city, the philharmonic’s rooftop landscape is accessible for pedestrians from all four corners of the building. The landscape consists of a series of plateaus, pockets, and openings providing a porous landscape and a vibrant life around the Philharmonic.

The Vltava River is the biggest natural quality at the site. Therefore the Philharmonic and its public landscape is connected all the way down to the waterfront.

Landscape compositions

The Landscape concept is inspired by the close relation of nature and Czech music. Just like a composition, our landscape introduces various sounds, spaces, and atmospheres. We introduce areas for pauses, resting, contemplation, but also intense and louder areas for activities and community.

Landscape compositions

The Landscape concept is inspired by the close relation of nature and Czech music. Just like a composition, our landscape introduces various sounds, spaces, and atmospheres. We introduce areas for pauses, resting, contemplation, but also intense and louder areas for activities and community.

The Philharmonic Halls

Taking full advantage of the site’s location as a primary city ‘node’, the building is designed to welcome visitors arriving from any direction. The lobby is welcoming and light and offers a wealth of enticing internal and external views, encouraging visitors to explore and dwell. Our acoustic concept aims to create a world-class space with a unique acoustic identity that speaks to its community. The design supports a “collectivism in sound”, enhancing our perception of this characteristic through the use of uninterrupted stage and main floor wall surfaces, and a large array of overhead acoustic canopies.

The Philharmonic Halls

Taking full advantage of the site’s location as a primary city ‘node’, the building is designed to welcome visitors arriving from any direction. The lobby is welcoming and light and offers a wealth of enticing internal and external views, encouraging visitors to explore and dwell. Our acoustic concept aims to create a world-class space with a unique acoustic identity that speaks to its community. The design supports a “collectivism in sound”, enhancing our perception of this characteristic through the use of uninterrupted stage and main floor wall surfaces, and a large array of overhead acoustic canopies.

Program: Philharmonic and Urban Plaza
Size: 52.000 m2
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Client: The City of Prague
Year: 2022
Type: Competition
Collaborators: Arup Group, Bogl
Role: Main architectural advisor
Team JAJA: Jakob Christensen, Jan Tanaka, Kathrin Gimmel, Stephen Dietz-Hodgson, Connor Forecast, Kaspar Dettinger, Julie Kongsbak, Evita Marioglou, Alice Miller, Magnus Tollnes Kjærnes