Apartment building, Prague

The plot is on a corner with one side facing a lovely square in the centre of the Old City, in area where most older structures have already been replaced by buildings in the 1930s international style. Over the last few years this has become a very busy – and more costly – district, in which more and more office buildings are appearing at the expense of (affordable) housing. So DaM studio suggested combining the gymnasium function with a retail store, studio apartments and underground parking.

By opting for a mixed-use building with an interesting structure, DaM has made an important contribution to this historical part of Prague. The concept elaborates on an old Metabolist idea, in that the living units are designed as standardized, prefabricated capsules. Each capsule is independent of the others and provides a minimum of living space, but with all the necessary fittings. One does wonder whether the container-concept was the best choice for this particular site.

Stacking the containers on top of each other allows for an interesting play with volumes and voids. The removal of a couple of capsules gives the whole its dramatic shape. The resulting voids serve as communal balconies or party spaces, but since this is not a common feature of Czech housing typologies or living traditions, the question remains whether the residents will use them.

Unfortunately, the architects did not take advantage of the corner situation. All the windows open towards the square, guaranteeing very attractive views but resulting in a somewhat closed facade on the other side. A connection between the main entrance and the square is another missed opportunity; rather than responding to the urban situation, the architects have gone for the shortest route from the stairs and elevator to the outside.