budova Vojenských staveb Building
The Military Construction Building is an administrative building on the outskirts of the Nusel Bridge, specifically at the address of Božena Neměčová 1881 / 5 in Prague in New Town. This technical and building monument was created between 1973 and 1982. It represents an important example of late brutalism with post-modern elements and is part of the Prague landmark reservation on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The building was designed by architect Jan Hančl with his colleagues from the state company Military Construction, interior created by architect Stanislav Dlabal. The project was created between 1973 and 1976, the implementation itself took place between 1978 and 1982. The head office of the company was specialised in transport structures and involved in the construction of Prague metro. The investment costs amounted to CZK 15.7 million. The building grew up at the site of the original 19th century tenement house, which had to give way to the trail of the subway tube.
The construction has a reinforced concrete structure with mushroom ceilings and a metal facade, which is divided by the solar system. Technically unique is the shallow foundation of the building directly above the subway tubes. Rubber inserts imported from West Germany were used to control shocks from passing sets. The roof ends with anodised aluminum from the Slovak National Uprising Races. Asymmetrically, it is divided by a pair of chimneys in the style of machinery to evoke the exhaust of sports cars. Before entering the building, there is the relief of sculptor Jaroslav Bartoš, which in abstract language shows the urban development of Prague and the stamping of subway tunnels.
Until 1992, the building was served by the state firm Military Construction, then privatized. Since 2004, the facade has long been covered by advertising areas, leading to a multi-year legal dispute between architect Jan Hančl and owner. The architect claimed copyright protection and in 2020 the court won, after which the advertising was removed. The company Jizera Invest s.r.o. is currently the owner, which submitted a request for demolition in September 2021. The initiative "Do not demolish Božek!" and the expert opinion of the National Heritage Institute, which called the building a building with a high cultural-historical value. In January 2022, the demolition was postponed.
The professional public appreciates the building as an extremely successful implementation, as evidenced by its inclusion in the exhibition "Do Not Break!" organized by the National Gallery in 2020. The building is a specific layer of architecture that responds sensitively to the surrounding historical development while demonstrating the progressive construction processes of its time. Visiting this place offers an opportunity to learn unique technical solutions in the context of the Prague Monument Reserve.
Historical milestones
- 1973
- Starting project work on the building.
- 1982
- Completion and deployment of the construction.
- 2020
- The architect's judicial victory leading to the removal of advertising media from the facade.
Architectural development
The construction has a reinforced concrete construction with mushroom ceilings and a metal facade broken down by sunlamps. The roof is finished with anodised aluminum and a pair of chimneys in machine style. The construction is technologically demanding based on concrete-cut-off over the subway tunnels.
Historical events
1978- 1982: Construction of the building for the needs of the company Military construction. 2004- 2020: Long-term legal dispute over removing advertising space from the building facade. 2020: Architect Jan Hančl won a lawsuit and the ad was removed from the facade.
Owners
State Company Military Construction (until 1992), subsequently privatized, company Jizera Invest s.r.o.
Points of interest
The building was built between 1973 and 1982 and is an example of late brutalism with post-modern elements. It is located on the forefront of the Nusel Bridge in New Town. - Technically unique is the foundation of the building directly above the subway tubes. Rubber inserts imported from a neighbouring state in the west were used to control shocks from passing sets. - The facade breaks the solar system and the roof ends with anodised aluminum. Asymmetrically, it is divided by a pair of chimneys in the style of machine-tools, designed to resemble the exhaust of sports cars. - The relief of sculptor Jaroslav Bartoš is placed before the entrance. In an abstract way, the urban development of the capital city and the subway tunnel embossing. - In 2020, the architect Jan Hančl won a legal dispute on copyright protection, thus removing advertising space from the facade. In 2022, a request for demolition of this building was postponed.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome! You're standing in front of a fascinating administrative object known as budova Vojenských staveb. This impressive complex awaits you in the New Town of Prague with its unique architecture and rich history.
Let's dive into the past. In 1973, the planning of this building was launched, which should serve as the seat of the state enterprise. The project culminated in 1982 when the building was completed and put into operation. Architects Jan Hančl and Stanislav Dlabal took the opportunity to create something new and interesting to reflect the spirit of their era.
Look up and look at what you can notice. The Military Construction Building is an example of late brutalism with post-modern elements. Its hard lines and massive structure are characteristic features of brutalism, while the imaginative elements of postmodern add some degree of ease and aesthetics. What's technically most interesting is that the entire object was designed to stand directly above the subway tubes. Special rubber inserts were used to protect the building from shocks caused by passing sets.
Now look closer at the facade. In 2020 the architect Jan Hančl reached a judicial victory which led to the removal of advertising media from the building. This success is proof of his commitment to maintaining the aesthetic integrity of this historical object.
There is also an interesting thing that might surprise you: the entire complex is located on the prefix of the Nusel Bridge. This location gives the building a special atmosphere and links it to the historical landscape of New Town.
Let us finish our guide by inviting you to further explore. The Military Construction Building has many stories and details waiting to be discovered. Whether you're looking up or down, every angle of this place is offering something new. I hope this guide inspired you to explore other historical monuments of Prague.
Thank you for your attention and have a nice day!
Tips for visitors
The tour of the building is recommended to plan for the morning hours of the working week, when the surrounding area of New Town is quieter and light better depicts the geometrical details of the brutal facade. The location is easily accessible by public transport and by car; I recommend to verify the exact connection and parking possibilities in the zones in the current map case. Take with you quality shoes for walking around the city and the camera, because thanks to its architecture from the turn of the 1970s and 1980s, the building offers unique possibilities for capturing the shadow game on concrete surfaces. For shooting is the most suitable angle from the opposite side of the street, which allows the total mass of the object to stand out. In the immediate surroundings, you can admire the Nusel Bridge, the historical centre of Prague or walk through the sightseeing reservation listed in the UNESCO list, which are the goals available by short walk. I recommend families with children to join a tour of the surrounding historical parts of the city, where there is plenty of room for movement and rest in urban greenery.
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Nuselský most, historické centrum Prahy, památková rezervace UNESCO.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route from New Town with emphasis on the Military Construction Building
1. Military Construction Building (others) - Type: Historical construction - Why is it worth a visit: This architecturally interesting building is an example of military engineering from the past century. It is suitable for those who are interested in history and technology.
2. Nusel Bridge - Type: Historical bridge - Why is it worth visiting: Nusel Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Prague, whose history dates back to the 13th century. It is an ideal place for a short walk through the Vltava with a view of the old architectural elements.
3. Historical Centre of Prague - Type: Historical area - Why is it worth a visit: This centre is full of historical monuments and architectural pearls that attract antiques lovers. It is suitable for exploring diverse buildings from different epoch.
4. UNESCO Memorial Reservations - Type: Historical and Cultural Territories - Why is it worth a visit: This area contains the most important monuments of Prague that have been recognized by UNESCO. It is an ideal place for those who want to understand the cultural and historical value of the city.
Route order: Start with the Military Construction Building in New Town. - Take a walk on the Nusel Bridge, which is only a few minutes' walk away. - Then we look at the historical centre of Prague, where you can explore various monuments. - Finally, visit the areas inside the UNESCO Monument Reserve for a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Prague.
This route offers a view of historical architecture and important places that are part of the cultural heritage of Prague.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring period, the historical monument budova Vojenských staveb in New Town is illuminated by sunlight, which particularly highlights its architectural details. The growing foliage surrounding the monument adds a lively color and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors should use mild temperatures, but be prepared for a sudden rain toilet. A good time to visit is noon, when the sun lights up the building most beautifully and the crowds do not need to gather.
Summer: Summer brings long sunny days which offer ideal conditions for the tour of the Military Buildings building. The sun lights up architecture in full brightness and the surrounding green nature is in full power. Visitors should visit the memory early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. Don't forget the protective sunglasses and plenty of drinking water.
Autumn: In autumn, the monument offers yellow, red and orange-coloured views. Sunlight is softer and brings warm light to architecture. Visitors should be dressed in mild clothing because temperatures are falling. The best time to visit is noon, when the sun brings the most beautiful light and crowds do not yet have to gather.
Winter: Winter period offers a building of Military Buildings in complete silence, where nature is temporarily retreating. Sun rays illuminate architecture in soft light and the winter atmosphere gives a calm mood. Visitors should wear warm clothes because temperatures are low and remember shorter opening times. The best time to visit is at noon when the sun lights the building best.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Juandev / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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