Jeseník park, Czechia

The two-stage competition – organised by the Centre for Central European Architecture (CCEA MOBA) – will select a design team to upgrade the historic green space in the centre of the settlement which is located around 200km west of Prague.

The project aims to revitalise the gardens which feature several fresh water springs, are known locally as Smetanovy Sady park and are bounded by the Bělá River and the slopes of the Křížový vrch mountain. Key aims of the project include improving accessibility, permeability and connectivity with the surrounding area and town centre.

According to the brief: ‘The city’s intention is to improve the quality of the park premises so that they reach a comparable level with the best parks in the Czech Republic, both in terms of garden and landscape design and in terms of attractiveness and practical value for residents and visitors.

‘The aim is to integrate this most important city’s green space into the life of the city so that it gets closer to the centre. The subject of the competition is not only the rehabilitation of the park, but also the question of connecting Smetana Gardens with the city centre and at the same time reflecting on the relationship of the park to the Bělá River.’

Founded in 1267 – Jeseník is a historic spa town of around 11,000 inhabitants. Local landmarks include the 1710 Town Hall and nearby Water Fortress. The latest contest comes just months after an international competition was announced for the €244 million upgrade of flood defences in nearby Olomouc.

Key aims of the latest project include improving connections between Smetana Gardens and the town centre and the nearby Bělá River while also introducing new activities to the park which respect its unique history and landscape. New lighting and surfaces will also need to be considered.

Judges will include David Zatloukal, town architect of Jeseník; the mayor of Jeseník, Zdeňka Blišťanová; Martin Sládek, co-founder of Brno-based Studio Consequence Forma Architects; Petr Mičola, founder of landscape studio Atelier Gerten; and the landscape architect and teacher at Czech Technical University in Prague, Radmila Fingerová.

The contest language is Czech and English. The overall winner will receive a  £15,000 (CZK 450,000) top prize while a second prize of £6,800 (CZK 200,000) and third prize of £5,000 (CZK 150,000) will also be awarded.