The Křižík Pavilions were built in Prague in 1991, designed by Michal Brix. Now the modernist complex has been rebuilt, turning it into a green oasis and popular meeting place. The market complex was a concrete heat island; today it operates as a public park.
The Křižík Pavilions exhibition complex was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Jubilee Exhibition (1891), which in turn commemorated the first industrial exhibition in the Czech Republic, which was also held a century earlier. The Jubilee Exhibition of 1891 was a huge event and attracted 2.5 million visitors. The central building of the exhibition was the Industrial Palace (the first steel and glass construction in the Czech lands). Numerous pavilions were then built, including the Křižík Pavilions and the Hanavský Pavilion. The exhibition also featured the first electric tramway line in Austria-Hungary, which was designed by Křižík.
The contemporary Křižík Pavilions in Prague have been an integral part of the urban fabric for years. Initially designed as temporary structures, they were not demolished, becoming a multifunctional cultural, exhibition and event space. However, intensive use over more than three decades exposed the need to adapt the buildings to modern standards both technically and functionally. This change necessitated a new vision in which history meets modernity while responding to the current needs of the urban community.
The new life of the pavilions
The decision to revitalise the pavilions was the result of an analysis of their many years of use. It was concluded that the facilities no longer met the modern requirements for exhibition spaces or the needs of event organisers – from fairs and exhibitions to concerts and television productions. The blueprint for changes to the entire complex was prepared by architects from the Výstaviště Praha studio. During the works, not only the necessary technical work was carried out, but also new functionality was introduced to attract local residents.
One of the most visible effects of the revitalisation is the transformation of the interior of the pavilions. They have been painted matte black, which creates the perfect backdrop for the exhibits on display, allowing them to stand out against the industrial setting. The contrasting light tones used in the technical and sanitary finishes facilitate orientation and emphasise the attention to functionality. The rawness of the concrete elements, left in their natural form, combined with modern steel details – railings, balustrades and furniture – reinforces the industrial character of the building, showing respect for the original design intent.
Green roof
One of the key elements of the new renovation concept is the completely transformed roof. The previous dark concrete surface, which absorbed huge amounts of heat during the day, contributed to a so-called ‘heat island’ and raised the ambient temperature by up to 1-3°C. The concrete plane was replaced by a green roof. The transformed roof not only minimises the negative effects of urban warming, but also reduces the concrete surface by around 5,000 sq m. Intensive planting of plants slows down the flow of air and dust deposits, creating a more pleasant microclimate. In addition, the new roof layer – which combines intensive greenery with a retention layer and pavements – retains around 1,000 m³ of rainwater per year, which in turn is used to irrigate the greenery.
New meeting place
The new roof is not only an ecological solution, but above all an active and resident-friendly space. In addition to relaxation and rest zones, a dining area, a sports zone in the form of a treadmill and elements with a playground have been designed here, turning the roof into a multifunctional urban centre. With such a variety of functions, the rooftop space can be used all year round and provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of cultural and social events, enabling residents to integrate and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The revitalisation of the Křižík Pavilions is an exemplary example of the transformation of the modernist heritage of the 1990s with the latest architectural and environmental trends. The reconstruction not only restored the buildings to their former glory, but also gave them a new life, enabling them to adapt to the requirements of the present day. The renovation not only enriches the landscape of Prague, but also becomes an inspiration for future sustainable urban interventions that combine tradition and modernity.
reconstruction project: Výstaviště Praha
team: Ondřej Píhrt, Štefan Šulek, Ondřej Laciga, Kateřina Luftová, Štěpán Tomš, Matěj Střecha, Vendulka Vaněčková, Pavel Dostal
original project architect: Michal Brix
photography: Alex Shoots Buildings
Read also: Modernism | Czech Republic | Prague | Metamorphosis | Places, Squares, Parks | whiteMAD on Instagram
