If I love Prague, it's also because it's a capital of design and architecture. Prague is not only Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau, Cubist, Functionalist or Brutalist, it's also, and above all, modern! In a city in the throes of transformation, yet green and with an undeniable quality of life, new architectural creations are regularly emerging and blending in perfectly with the scenery.
6 surprising giant portholes have appeared on the banks of the Vltava, below the Dancing House (another architectural feat).
The Vltava quays redeveloped as a living space
The Náplavka quays are a must-see. You'll find all my good addresses in this article. Their long revitalization is drawing to a close. Today, with their bicycle path, they are a great place for a stroll. Twenty years ago, it was deserted, but today it's a trendy spot to meet up with friends and enjoy a drink on warm summer evenings. A number of barges have gradually tied up here. Depending on the season, they can be used as bars, concert halls, saunas or beach volleyball courts. Not to mention festivals and the famous Saturday morning market, which I recommend for an impromptu brunch in fine weather.
Former 19th-century warehouses converted into cafés and workshops with huge glass windows
As you stroll along the quayside, you'll see spaces recently rebuilt under the direction of architect Petr Janda and Brainwork studio (a studio already involved in the overall rehabilitation of the quayside). Built in the 19th century, these spaces were used to store ice, which was then traded.
Today, these aesthetically pleasing vaulted cabins house cafés such as LAb Space and BIKE7, galleries, bike repair shops and public toilets. Six former metal doors have been replaced by superb, original glass portholes that will not leave architecture fans unmoved.
Unique materials and technology for a real architectural challenge
You'll see the world's largest single-hinged windows. Varying in diameter (the largest is over 5 metres), they weigh in at over 2.5 tonnes! A special 7 cm-thick glass, usually reserved for marine aquariums, was used. To let visitors in and out, the portholes pivot automatically thanks to sensors and a motor. Everything has been designed to ensure the greatest possible interconnection between inside and outside. The pivoting system is based on an astonishing diagonal axis.
You can visit these spaces all year round: there is, of course, a very specific heating and ventilation system to avoid a big winter draught. They also benefit from flood protection (the last major floods in Prague date back to 2002). Inside, durable materials and plain surfaces are used in a neutral manner, in keeping with the cabins' immediate surroundings.
Portholes manufactured in Thailand and shipped in before the assembly challenge
Prague docks where you can also sleep
Just a few meters from these portholes are two interesting hotels where you can sleep: the very original Boat Hotel Matylda and the famous Maison qui danse (there's also the great Admiral Botel on the opposite bank, where you can sleep on the water. An original experience!)
On the other side of the river, the Hořejší quay and its cabins have also been refurbished. You'll now find a couple of cafés and some amazing public toilets. Numerous festivals also take place here in fine weather.
And if you'd like a sneak preview of this architectural challenge before your visit to Prague, check out this short video !
If, like me, you love architecture, you'll find it in these articles! Prague is also Art Nouveau, Cubist, Functionalist and Brutalist.