Bachelor's Thesis

Transformation Smíchov

Final Thesis 43.93 MB Appendix 10.14 MB

Author of thesis: Alex Veselý

Acad. year: 2025/2026

Supervisor: Zuzanna Irena Mielczarek, MSc

Reviewer: Mgr. Ing. Wojciech Lesiak

Abstract:

The concept of the reconstructed and new part is the exposition.
The building admits to its programs and structures. In the
reconstructed part, the existing structure is acknowledged as
much as possible, while it is opened to the world as much as
possible. At the same time, there is a café/foyer and the heart
of the building, blackox, i.e. the existing building is public and
the rentable space is located upstairs, in the superstructure. The
new construction is also revealed, and in addition to the material
and construction, it also admits to being unconventionally
experimental, so the actors are visually exposed to the outside
world and vice versa, and it is supposed to create a new type of
environment for theatrical, dance or any movement art.

Keywords:

Reconstruction Extension Smíchov Blackbox Rehearsal Lightbox Exposition

Date of defence

03.06.2026

Result of the defence

Defended (thesis was successfully defended)

znamkaAznamka

Grading

A

Process of defence

Obhajoba se zaměřila jak na hodnoty budovy, tak především na celkový proces architektonického zpracování. Student prezentoval kombinaci funkčnosti, potřebu autentického architektonického výrazu a rovněž dodává respekt k okolí. Student předložil detailní a promyšlenou vizi a významné charakteristické prvky. Student zmiňoval nejenom samotný design, ale hmotu a proporce ve srovnání s původním stavem. Po prezentaci a obhajobě návrhů následovalo čtení posudků a otázka oponenta směřující na přípravu detailního návrhu na základě prezentovaného konceptu a toho, co dle studenta vyžadovalo ke zvláštní péči a pozornost v procesu návrhu, aby se neztratily charakteristické prvky a výhody návrhu. Dále student reagoval na připomínku v rámci vizualizace. Doplňující dotazy komise byly vztyčeny v rámci skladování materiálů a fungování instituce (prostor pro sklad); otázky nad vizualizaci čelní kompozice, formální stránkou budovy a odpadem; zamýšlení se nad zvukotechnikou a šachtami.

Language of thesis

English

Faculty

Fakulta architektury

Department

Faculty of Architecture

Study programme

Architecture and Urban Design (B_A+U)

Specialization

no specialisation (till 2022) (--- (do 2022))

Composition of Committee

doc. Ing. arch. Maxmilian Wittmann, Ph.D. (předseda)
Ing. Petr Suchánek, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. arch. Vítězslav Nový (člen)
Ing. arch. Jaromír Walter (člen)
Mgr. et Mgr. Marie Bajnarová, Ph.D. (člen)

Supervisor’s report
Zuzanna Irena Mielczarek, MSc

The design process was preceded by a detailed analysis of the building’s structure, including its construction, building services, and material composition. This phase was carried out in collaboration with another student, Jakub Onuscak, and is exceptionally thorough. Although the analysis was conducted in collaboration, the students ultimately developed distinctly different solutions in terms of program and architectural form, which deserves recognition.

One of the project’s greatest achievements is that the building’s massing and proportions appear significantly improved after the intervention in comparison to the original state. This is not a typical outcome in projects of this kind and should be particularly appreciated. The building now completes the street frontage along Preslova Street in a harmonious manner and has become an interesting landmark adjacent to the park. It has strong potential to activate the surrounding area through its active ground floor, featuring a café and transparent façades that reveal the activities taking place inside. The façades are organized according to a clear yet nuanced grid. The student referenced the original glass-block glazing and introduced a variety of additional glazing solutions. This is not an extravagant architecture of excessive expression; rather, it is based on refined structural and material solutions.

The arrangement of functions within both the existing structure and the newly added parts of the building is sensible and realistic, with appropriate sizes and a coherent functional layout. A particular challenge was the integration of a double-height auditorium, which was resolved successfully. Alex chose to add an extension and an external staircase to accommodate a large public auditorium. This staircase didn’t remain just a logistic solution but interesting addition to the facade.

The drawings, including plans, sections, structural modifications, and technical details, are highly precise and visually clear. The only comment is that I would have liked to see more collages or visualizations illustrating the broader architectural potential of this excellent project.
Evaluation criteria Verbal classification Grade
Přístup studenta ke zpracování Alex is a committed and mature student, and it was a pleasure to work with him. He demonstrated a high level of professionalism as well as a collaborative and constructive approach to working with the tutor. He consistently showed initiative in both the analytical work and the architectural solutions he developed, while remaining open to suggestions and modifications, which he implemented thoughtfully. The collaboration proceeded smoothly through regular consultations and meetings. Alex demonstrates an above-average architectural sensibility for a bachelor-level student. Rather than opting to demolish the existing building and construct a new one, he chose to adapt and extend it. Given the nature of the building and the proposed program, this approach undoubtedly required more analysis, flexibility, and effort than designing a new structure from scratch. Alex handled this challenge well, proposing a sensible and elegant architectural solution that is appropriate to both the location and the intended function. A
Points proposed by supervisor: 95

Grade proposed by supervisor: A

Reviewer’s report
Mgr. Ing. Wojciech Lesiak

The project presents a very solid and refined architectural proposal that successfully combines functionality, the need for an individual architectural expression, and respect for both the surroundings and the existing building. The level of care and precision in the development of the project deserves recognition. It is evident that the student approaches the design process with great rigor, and that the applied functional solutions are supported by extensive analysis.
Evaluation criteria Verbal classification Grade
Urbanistické řešení The proposed urban design solution is appropriate to the location in terms of the building’s scale, height, and proportions, as well as its relationship with the surrounding context. A particularly interesting aspect of the proposal is the placement of the public plaza at the rear of the building, where it has the potential to activate social life. The external emergency staircase is also successfully incorporated as both a functional safety element and a landmark within the urban environment. A
Provozní řešení Particular recognition should be given to the placement of the new theatre auditorium within the added upper extension of the building. Despite the complexity of introducing such a demanding function into an adapted structure, the student successfully integrated it into the existing building. The additional proposed spaces also appear justified, while the overall functional program is rational and well considered. The size of the individual rooms seems appropriate and adequately responds to the needs of the institution. The addition of a new evacuation staircase is a skillful and well-considered response to contemporary safety requirements and regulations, while avoiding the introduction of an excessive amount of new built volume. With great care, the student designed both the public areas of the theatre and the backstage facilities, which are fully functional and operate independently from the spaces intended for visitors. The foyers and public areas on the ground floor are particularly attractive and, through their openness, successfully connect the building with the surrounding public spaces. The arrangement of the audience areas and backstage spaces on the upper floors has also been designed in a clear and coherent manner. A
Technicko konstrukční řešení The structural solution is designed appropriately and represents a creative extension of the existing structure. The presented details are correct and well considered. Although the technical solutions are relatively standard, they appear realistic and sufficient in the context of the proposed architecture. A
Architektonické řešení The building is exceptionally well developed architecturally. Although the added volume clearly distinguishes itself from the existing structure, it enters into a meaningful dialogue with it. The newly introduced staircase is both a rational solution and an exceptionally attractive architectural feature, functioning as a local landmark despite its relatively modest scale. The new extension is appropriate to the location and its urban context. A
Formální úroveň The project is carefully prepared and communicated in a clear manner. The floor plans are legible and easy to follow. The presented visualizations are correct; however, they do not fully capture the refined character of the designed architecture, nor the atmosphere and spatial quality of the interiors that could emerge within the building. B
Topics for thesis defence:
  1. If you were to prepare the detailed design based on the presented concept, what do you think would require particular care and attention in the design process in order not to lose the characteristic elements and advantages of your design proposal?
Points proposed by reviewer: 90

Grade proposed by reviewer: A

Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová