City Visions Europe

The aim of the City Visions Europe project was to encourage a public debate about the futures of four European cities bidding for the European Capital of Culture title in 2013, 2014 and 2015: Bordeaux (France), Košice (Slovakia), Mechelen (Belgium) and Pilsen (Czech Republic). The Rotterdam-based Berlage Institute organized the project, while the project coordinator for the Czech Republic was the Centre for Central European Architecture (CCEA) in Prague.

Put briefly, the aim of the project was to create a vision of development in the four cities in relation to the concept of the European city in general. Each city selected specific locations for development, and four architectural designs were created for these spaces. The Urban Planning and Development Institute of the City of Pilsen chose the area along Tyršova Street – one of the busiest streets in the city, it acts as a barrier between Pilsen’s historical centre and the adjacent area. Several projects connected with the city’s candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2015 title are being prepared for implementation in the Tyršova Street area, including a new theatre on Jízdecká Street and a Sports and Relaxation Centre in Štruncovy sady. Štruncovy sady park is slated to serve as an area for sports, cultural and free-time activities.

The Berlage Institute selected the architectural teams that participated in the Pilsen project: Raumbureau  (Switzerland), L‘AUC (France), JDVA (Belgium) and RKAW (Czech Republic).

As part of the project, workshops were held in individual cities where members of architectural studios exchanged experiences with local and foreign specialists, politicians and city residents.