The Jammertal Leisure Area, completed in August 2022, represents the transformation of a previously neglected part of Folimanka Park on the border of Prague’s Vinohrady, Nusle and Nové Město districts into an attractive public space for year-round sports and social activities. The architect behind the design is Jana Mastíková from the LOXIA studio, who has projected into the project not only her many years of experience with urban public space, but also her feeling for the context of the place and its history.
Context and location
Folimanka Park has a long history. The original vineyards and orchards were converted into a park in the 1970s and further landscaped in 2007. Nevertheless, the eastern part of the park under the Nusel Bridge remained unused for a long time – it was a plain without vegetation, which served more for a quick passage than for residence. It is this part that the design has decided to rehabilitate and transform into a functional, lively urban space that continues the original natural character of the park and at the same time brings new functions for visitors of all generations.
Design concept
The main idea behind the design was to create a multifunctional and year-round usable space that will offer Prague residents facilities for sport, relaxation and socialising. The dominant feature of the area is a multi-purpose area, which is used for cycling in summer and turns into an ice rink in winter. A distinctive architectural element is a hand-modelled oval made of coloured concrete, designed especially for skateboarders. Its smooth surface was literally “sculpted” by the experts from Mystic Construction.
The complex also offers ping-pong tables, an exercise area, a pétanque court and an interactive water feature for children. The materials used underline the natural character of the site – for example, the Parkdecor clay surface is 100% natural and practical for walking and stroller movement.
Sensitive integration into the environment
The designers had to respect existing elements – for example the brick slope, the Nusel Bridge pillars or the non-functioning cascading fountain, which is considered a work of art. The design therefore fits organically into the environment, which it enlivens but does not overwhelm.
Part of the realisation was to connect the upper and lower parts of the park with a new pedestrian route with a staircase and a viewpoint. This allows not only easier movement for visitors, but also a new view of the park and of the artwork by Kristof Kintera, the Monument of One’s Own Decision (Memento mori), which has been newly connected to electricity and has thus truly “come to life” for the first time.
Distinctive elements and a return to the identity of the place
One of the most visible elements is the dominant yellow staircase, which contrasts with the grey of the Nusel Bridge and the Folimanka Hall. The colour chosen is intended to symbolise optimism and support for activity – in the spirit of the whole project.
There is also urban furniture – benches, tables, chairs and a barbecue area, which support the community dimension of the place. The revitalisation included orchard landscaping, during which hundreds of trees and shrubs were planted. A reconstructed sculpture of a skateboarder by Jaroslav Hladky – the first of its kind in the world – is also an important symbol of the return to the original identity of the site.
The Jammertal leisure complex is an example of how even a seemingly inhospitable and overlooked urban space can be transformed into a lively, inspiring and functional place that respects its surroundings and brings new qualities. Thanks to the meticulous work of the designer and LOXIA studio, the site now naturally complements the sports and recreational infrastructure of Folimanka Park and is becoming its modern landmark.
• Project typology:
Park, playgrounds, sport.
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
LOXIA
• All architecture offices involved in the design:
LOXIA a.s.
• Other credits:
Oleksandra Krones
