Prague Central Station Set for Remarkable Change with Henning Larsen's Design

The Nový Hlavák project aims to revitalize Prague’s central station by reconnecting the historic central station and terminal hall with Vrchlického Sady Park. This redesign enhances the city’s appearance and supports its goal of becoming a more sustainable and livable environment. The design of Prague Central Station emphasizes low-emission transportation, adaptive reuse, and timber construction, contributing to a forward-looking urban vision.

Sustainable And Planning By Henning Larsen

With the introduction of a new tram line and an expected 200% increase in visitors, the upcoming mobility hub is set to transform Prague’s urban landscape. The hub will combine three transit hubs into a cohesive and welcoming destination, focusing on optimizing pedestrian pathways for easy navigation. Our vision for Nový hlavák goes beyond the traditional concept of a station. We aim to create a space that becomes integral to people’s daily lives, leaving them with lasting memories. The journey through Nový hlavák is designed to evoke the emotions of a classic station. This nostalgic and familiar experience transforms passing through the Prague Central Station into a remarkable moment.

According to Jacob Kurek, the Global Market Director at Henning Larsen, Nový hlavák is not just a transportation hub but a place that aims to enhance daily experiences. The station is designed to function efficiently, ensuring smooth mobility for everyone. Its goal is to redefine the daily commute, making it more than just a journey but an experience that adds value and quality to people’s lives. The Prague Central Station strongly focuses on promoting eco-friendly transportation by encouraging public transit, walking, and biking as the preferred modes of travel. It seamlessly integrates with Prague’s upcoming bike network, providing convenient bicycle access and parking. This aligns with the city’s goals of reducing carbon emissions.

Nový Hlavák is a project that aims to preserve and revitalize the Hlavni Nadrazi station in Prague while honoring its architectural legacy and historical context. The iconic features of the Hlavni Nadrazi terminal hall, such as its striped paved flooring and distinctive curved design elements, will be retained, reimagined, and expanded to accommodate increased capacity. This preservation is a tribute to the original playful and unique modernist architecture of Hlavni Nadrazi. Nový Hlavák seeks to create a dynamic space beyond the boundaries of the former station, providing a welcoming experience for visitors to the city.

Upon arriving at Nový Hlavák from the city center, visitors will encounter a vibrant pavilion nestled within the park, serving as a welcoming entry point to the Fantova Building and encouraging exploration. The design’s heart is a spacious timber canopy with an open roof, seamlessly connecting the adjacent park, Prague Central Station, and communal transport center. Elevated 13.8m above the terminal floor, the glulam roof, replacing the current steel girder and parking deck, accommodates a new tram stop and aligns with the city’s transport plan. Featuring lightweight ETFE roof cladding, the structure enhances views of the park, the Fantova Building, and the surrounding skyline. This design facilitates pedestrian flow and safety, inviting people to savor the space.

Prague Central Station’s Design Concept

The terminal hall is designed to provide visitors with an improved, intuitive layout that facilitates easy navigation. The design prioritizes the well-being and safety of users and incorporates climate control, ample natural light, and direct visual connections to all surrounding areas. Additionally, the design accounts for traffic and crisis scenarios management, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of people in and out of the terminal.

Nový Hlavák is a transit hub and a vibrant living space that is part of a lush park adorned with a timber roof. It goes beyond a passageway and becomes a destination where people can unite, socialize, and form meaningful connections. It is a genuinely inclusive and welcoming urban haven at the heart of Prague, as expressed by Greta Tiedje, Associate Design Lead at Henning Larsen. Tom Singleton, Senior Chief Project Manager at Ramboll, takes pride in contributing to developing low-carbon public transport in Prague and creating a local environment with positive social outcomes.

The Vrchlického Sady Park in Prague is set to undergo a rejuvenation that will divide it into cultural, activity, and central arrival zones. This transformation will cater to various activities, from hosting Christmas markets to facilitating quick commutes or leisurely afternoon picnics, ensuring convenient and direct access to the Prague Central Station. The park’s historical character is a cornerstone of our design approach, which involves planting native vegetation and safeguarding existing historic trees. The landscape will integrate stormwater management techniques and address the urban heat island effect. The joint effort of Henning Larsen and Ramboll secured the top position in the draft design competition for Prague Central Station, with the award announced on November 27th.

Project Info:
Architect: Henning Larsen
Area: 103,000m2
Building size: 24,400m2
Client: The Capital City of Prague, Správa zeleznic, Prague Public Transport Company
Team: A8000, Ramboll
City: Prague
Country: Czechia