Nový hlavák reconnects the historic central station and terminal hall with Vrchlického Sady Park to become a welcoming gateway to Prague. Redefining the city’s landscape and propelling its vision to becoming a more sustainable, livable place, the design champions low-emission mobility options, adaptive reuse and timber construction.
Driven by the introduction of a new tram line and anticipated 200% increase in the number of visitors, the new future mobility hub signifies a transformative milestone in Prague’s urban development. Seamlessly connecting three transit hubs into one unified and inviting destination with optimized pedestrian flows.
The new station prioritizes low-emission transport and micro-mobility, making public transit and travel by foot and bike the most desirable mode of transport. The station will connect to the city’s planned bike network with easy bicycle access and parking, supporting Prague’s ambitions to lower the city’s carbon emissions.
Breaking down the borders of the complex, former station, Nový Hlavák is a dynamic space that welcomes visitors to the city and invites them to take a pause in the station or the heritage of the surrounding park with its ancient trees.
Celebrating the architectural heritage of Prague’s central station and its historic surroundings, Nový Hlavák will preserve and transform the Hlavni Nadrazi station. The Hlavni Nadrazi terminal hall’s iconic design elements will be preserved, reimagined and extended to accommodate the increase in capacity. The terminal’s striped paved flooring and iconic curved design elements will remain, paying homage to Hlavni Nadrazi’s original playfulness and unique modernist architecture.
On arrival at Nový Hlavák from the city center visitors are greeted by the park and a bustling pavilion that acts as a gateway to the Fantova Building, creating a lively destination to pass through and explore. Central to the design is a large, open-roof timber canopy, unifying the surrounding park, central station, and communal transport center. To host a new tram stop and city transport plan, the glulam roof will be lifted 13.8m above the terminal floor replacing the existing steel girder and parking deck. The structure will feature lightwight ETFE roof cladding and allow for improved views of the park, the Fantova Building and surrounding skyline, easing pedestrian flow and safety, and inviting people to enjoy the space.
The project bid was by devised by Henning Larsen and Ramboll, bringing
together Henning Larsen’s world leading architectural design and Ramboll’s
extensive experience on complex international projects and mass timber
engineering.
CREDITS
Urban Design: Henning Larsen
Architect: Henning Larsen
Landscape Architect: Henning Larsen
Local Architect: A8000
Engineer: Ramboll
