The Savarin project reshapes Prague’s center with terraced gardens and public courtyards. Heatherwick Studio has unveiled a masterplan for the redevelopment of a 15,000 m² site in Prague’s Wenceslas Square, blending historic architecture with contemporary design. At the heart of the project is the restoration of a Baroque riding hall, reimagined as a central public courtyard surrounded by new buildings. Terraced gardens and elevated walkways will create fluid connections between old and new, offering both urban gathering spots and sweeping views over the city.
The design introduces three new structures that integrate with heritage facades, framing landscaped courtyards and rooftop gardens. Public access is a central theme, with plans for direct connections from the street and metro to interior passages and open-air terraces. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion aimed for 2029. Once realized, Savarin will serve as a cultural and commercial hub, fusing retail, offices, and public green spaces into a unified urban experience.
Image Credit: Heatherwick Studio
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Heritage-driven Urban Renewal
- Integrating historical architecture with modern aesthetics, projects like Savarin offer dynamic possibilities for revitalizing urban centers steeped in history.
- Mixed-use Green Spaces
- Blending public spaces with commercial and cultural functions, integrated courtyards and gardens are redefining cityscapes by enhancing urban livability and sustainability.
- Fluid Architectural Connections
- The trend towards seamless architectural transitions highlights opportunities for creating multifunctional spaces that encourage fluid movement between indoor and outdoor environments.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Urban Development
- Revitalization projects like Savarin are reshaping how urban developers approach the fusion of historical restoration with contemporary urban planning.
- Landscape Architecture
- The inclusion of elevated walkways and terraced gardens presents a burgeoning sector within landscape architecture focused on harmonizing structural and natural elements.
- Cultural Tourism
- By transforming historic sites into vibrant public hubs, the cultural tourism industry finds new avenues to attract visitors seeking enriched urban experiences.
