České Budějovice masterplan, Czechia

The two-stage competition – organised by the Centre for Central European Architecture (CCEA MOBA) – will select a design team to unlock regeneration in the historic settlement which is located 120km south of Prague.

The project aims to respond to emerging social, economic and environmental trends and challenges by revitalising the settlement, enhancing quality of living for local residents and boosting České Budějovice’s attractiveness to new residents of all ages.

According to the brief: ‘The regional city of České Budějovice is looking for a multidisciplinary team of authors to design and negotiate a new masterplan of outstanding quality for the regional city of České Budějovice through a competitive dialogue.

‘České Budějovice is a bold, self-confident city. These attributes are materialized by a high standard of living. The long-term perspective of the city for about the next 30 years, is to increase the population by a third within the current perimeter of the city while contributing to a higher standard of living and quality of life.

‘The new masterplan is supposed to become a tool to support this growth and increase in quality of life for both existing and new residents.’

Founded in 1265 – České Budějovice is a historic regional city and major industrial centre of around 96,000 residents. Local landmarks include the Budweiser Budvar Brewery, the Baroque-style Museum of South Bohemia and the neo-Gothic Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Key aims of the latest project include creating a new spatial development plan for České Budějovice that promotes business entrepreneurship, unlocks the educational and research potential of local universities, promotes sustainable transport, and delivers a ‘modern open and welcoming’ environment respecting heritage while also delivering new architecture and public spaces.

Judges will include Ondřej Boháč, director of the Institute of Planning and Development of the Capital City of Prague; Jana Kaválková, Head of the Department of Regional Development; Irena Vostracká, director of the Office of Conception and Development of the City of Plzeň; and Martin Krupauer, co-founder of the architectural studio ATELIER 8000.

The competition features a £135,000 (CZK 4 million) prize fund and the contest language is Czech. Submissions will be judged 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on price. The overall winner will be invited to take part in a £1.4 million (CZK 44 million) design contract.