Nový Hlavák - Prague Central Station

Transforming Prague’s central station, Nový Hlavák reconnects the historic station and terminal hall with Vrchlického Sady Park to become a welcoming gateway into the city. Redefining the city’s landscape and propelling its vision to be a more sustainable, livable place, the design champions low-emission mobility, adaptive reuse, and timber construction.

Project details

Client

The Capital City of Prague Správa zeleznic, Prague Public Transport Company

Typology

Infrastructure, Transformation, Urban landscapes and vertical greenery

Status

Ongoing

Driven by the introduction of a new tram line and an anticipated 200% increase in the number of visitors, the future mobility hub signifies a transformative milestone in Prague’s urban development – seamlessly connecting three transit hubs into one unified, inviting destination with optimized pedestrian flows. On arrival at Nový Hlavák from the city center, visitors will be greeted by the park and a bustling pavilion that acts as a gateway to the Fantova Building, creating a lively destination to pass through and explore.

“Our vision for Nový Hlavák extends beyond the traditional concept of a station. The journey through the station is designed to evoke traditional station sentiments, a nostalgic and familiar experience that transforms the act of passing through the station into a truly fantastic moment,” says Jacob Kurek, Global Market Director, Henning Larsen.

The new station prioritizes low-emission transport, and micro-mobility, making public transit and travel by foot and bike the most desirable mode of transport. Connecting to the city’s planned bike network with easy bicycle access and parking, the new station will support Prague’s ambitions to lower the city’s carbon emissions.

Vivid Vision, 2023

The future station is designed with respect for the historic station building from 1909 designed by Josef Fanta and will extend the modernist station that was built between 1972 and 1977. Bloom Images, 2023

“Our commitment goes beyond creating a structure for transportation; it's about enhancing daily experiences. Nový Hlavák is meticulously designed for super-efficient functionality, ensuring seamless mobility for everyone. The station aims to redefine the very idea of what a daily commute can be, making it not just a journey but an experience that adds value to people's lives.”

Jacob Kurek

Managing Director

A significant shift from the site's current car-centric state, the new station design prioritizes low-emission transport and micro-mobility, supporting Prague’s ambitions to lower its carbon emissions.

Vivid Vision, 2023

Honoring architectural heritage

Celebrating the architectural heritage of Prague’s central station and its historic surroundings, Nový Hlavák will preserve and transform the Hlavni Nadrazi station. The terminal hall’s iconic design elements will be preserved, reimagined and extended to accommodate the increase in capacity. Keeping its iconic curved elements and striped paved flooring, the design pays homage to Hlavni Nadrazi’s original playfulness and unique modernist architecture.

The design adds a roof to the station, designed with reference to both the historical art nouveau building from the beginning of the 20th century as well as the modernist building from the late 1970s. KVANT-1, 2023

“More than a transit hub, Nový Hlavák is conceived as an extended living room—a vibrant space within a green park adorned with a timber roof. It's not merely a place to pass through; it's a destination, a meeting point for individuals and communities. We envision Nový Hlavák as a place where people gather, linger, and make meaningful connections—a truly inclusive and inviting urban oasis within the heart of Prague.”

Greta Tiedje

Global Design Director

Breaking down the borders of the complex, modernist building, Nový Hlavák is reimagined as a dynamic space that welcomes visitors to the city. Central to the design is a large, open-roof timber canopy, unifying the surrounding park, central station, and communal transport center. To host a new tram stop and city transport plan, the glulam roof will be lifted 13 meters above the terminal floor replacing the existing steel girder and parking deck. The structure will feature lightweight ETFE roof cladding and allow for improved views of the park, the Fantova Building and surrounding skyline, easing pedestrian flow and safety, inviting people to enjoy the space.

Vivid Vision, 2023

An intuitive experience inside and out

The terminal hall will feature an improved layout implementing intuitive wayfinding for visitors. Integrating climate comfort, ample daylight, and direct visual connections to all surrounding areas, the design prioritizes user well-being and safety as well as traffic and crisis scenario management.

Revitalizing the Vrchlického Sady Park, the space will be divided into a cultural zone, activity zone and central arrival plaza. With direct and easy access to the station, these zones will accommodate a range of uses and users, from commuters and travelers to markets stalls and picnics. Preserving the historic identity of the park and reflecting it in its new form, the landscape design preserves historic trees and complements them by planting an abundance of native vegetation. Additionally, the design incorporates stormwater management and is geared towards mitigating the urban heat island effect.