Excerpt: The U/U studio’s project, Skatepark Řeporyje, is a landscape design project aiming to create a beautiful and safe public area for all age groups and social classes. The layout mixes an outdoor movie theatre, a skatepark, a pump track, picnic tables with grills, and a wooden stage for events. Sculptures that work closely with the layout and other elements of the sports complex enable an unexpected link between action and art.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] The impulse for the proposal of the leisure activity park in Řeporyje came straight from the residents of the city district and their need for a multifunctional sports and leisure activity area. The designers’ goal was to create a safe and attractive public space that will have a variety of uses for various ages and social groups.
The design combines an outdoor movie theatre, a skatepark, a pump track, picnic tables with grills, and a wooden stage for events. Statues by the two most well-known Czech sculptors, Estmir Suka and Luká Rais, are significant components of the plan.
A surprising connection between action and art is made possible by sculptures that are in close communication with the design and components of the sports complex. Additionally, the renovation includes new public lighting, a ping pong table, a charging station, and a drinking fountain, all of which belong in a location like this. A snack bar and public restrooms are also included in the project as separate spaces.
The main paved surface is made of smoothened concrete for an unobstructed ride. A part of the concrete surface is pigmented with earth tones that correspond to the sculptures and help the proposal blend with its surroundings. The diagonal pedestrian path is made of concrete tiles to provide better orientation within the space.
The edges of the obstacles and pipe elements are made of painted steel, as is the structure of the wooden podiums. Areas that are dedicated to relaxing are defined by yellow decomposed granite, which builds up the natural character of the proposal and helps reduce the overheating of the area. Rainwater is absorbed on the site via the underground drainage system.
Demolition of the fence will open the whole area for social safety, the inclusion of different social layers, and various sports activities. Public lights in the area keep the obstacles visible throughout the day, therefore allowing the use of the skatepark until late at night. The diagonal path across the area creates a direct connection between the art centre BUBEC and the town centre.
The whole area is well interconnected with the paths and pavements nearby. Steps for seating in the sloped landscape provide great views of the whole area and the beautiful valley in the background. Brownfield in Prague Řeporyje has turned into a new leisure activity park that links sport and culture. Due to its position, adjacent to the existing art centre BUBEC, the park has the ambition to become a new cultural centre for its Prague district.