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Architects: U / U studio and re-place
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Area: 1,810 m2
Year: 2022
Photography: Jiří Kotal

Vltavská Underground: Injecting Life through a Transformation

Vltavská Underground is a network of former underpasses that has been given a second chance. The transformation is injecting life into the Vltavská underpass, which had lost its usefulness as a transit connection to Hlavkuv bridge and had become a place that citizens of Prague tried to avoid. Vacancy and darkness are replaced by spaces for freestyle activities in two stages.


The design focuses on skateboarders and BMX and freestyle scooter riders, for those in need of covered areas with artificial light. You can also find a streetball area, a dance floor with mirrors, pole dance equipment, obstacles for freestyle sports, workout installations, a bouldering wall and a public art gallery. The element of water, the linear stream of the Vltava River, became a key aspect in the design. The intervention in the underpass is meant to create a safe shared space for freestylers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.

The whole underground space went through a deep cleaning, and the surfaces were improved. The main materials in the design are steel and concrete for long durability and easy maintenance. The feeling of safety is enhanced with new linear lights throughout the area. The club has a chill-out zone with a beautiful city view. The entrance area, which is closer to the public transport hub, is prepared for a pop-up bar and bistro.

Architects: U / U studio and re-place
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Area: 1,810 m2
Year: 2022
Photography: Jiří Kotal

urbanNext (December 6, 2024) Vltavská Underground: Injecting Life through a Transformation. Retrieved from https://urbannext.net/vltavska-underground/.
Vltavská Underground: Injecting Life through a Transformation.” urbanNext – December 6, 2024, https://urbannext.net/vltavska-underground/
urbanNext July 5, 2023 Vltavská Underground: Injecting Life through a Transformation., viewed December 6, 2024,<https://urbannext.net/vltavska-underground/>
urbanNext – Vltavská Underground: Injecting Life through a Transformation. [Internet]. [Accessed December 6, 2024]. Available from: https://urbannext.net/vltavska-underground/
Vltavská Underground: Injecting Life through a Transformation.” urbanNext – Accessed December 6, 2024. https://urbannext.net/vltavska-underground/
Vltavská Underground: Injecting Life through a Transformation.” urbanNext [Online]. Available: https://urbannext.net/vltavska-underground/. [Accessed: December 6, 2024]

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