Ostrava launches architectural competition for new house of city services

The city of Ostrava has announced an architectural competition to design the new House of City Services, set to be constructed in the Černá louka area. This new administrative building will consolidate two key municipal departments, currently housed in separate leased locations, and will also provide facilities for several municipal organizations, including the Ostrava City Police and the Expat Centre, which offers services to foreigners.

Zuzana Kotyzová, spokesperson for the Municipal Atelier of Spatial Planning and Architecture (MAPPA), which is organizing the competition, revealed that the competition results will be announced by mid-2024.

Deputy Mayor Hana Tichánková highlighted the need for the new building, citing inadequate current facilities and rising rental costs. “Investing in a new building is more cost-effective for the city in the long term. Moreover, bringing these departments under one roof will streamline services for citizens,” Tichánková stated.

The new House of City Services is also a key element in the ongoing revitalization of the Černá louka area, which is being transformed from an exhibition center into a space for recreation, cultural activities, and new developments. The building will be situated near the Puppet Theatre and the newly planned New Lauby apartment complex.

The architectural competition is open and will proceed in two phases. Proposals can be submitted until November 20, after which a jury will select finalists to refine their designs until April next year. The winning design is expected to be both architecturally innovative and technologically advanced, with a focus on user-friendliness, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Construction of the House of City Services could begin within four years of the competition’s conclusion, with the project estimated to cost CZK 750 million, excluding VAT.

Source: CTK
Photo: Ostrava City