Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is a Danish studio, led by Bjarke Ingels and Brian Yang. It collaborated with AED Project, Nagata Acoustics, Theatre Projects, Buro Happold, Systematica and Front for the project.
The decision of the international jury was announced by the City of Prague together with the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR Prague).
The winning design of the modern music centre will make the river bank accessible and open up the Philharmonic Hall's outdoor terraces, including the roof.
The Vltava Philharmonic will be the home of two orchestras – the Prague Symphony Orchestra FOK and the Czech Philharmonic. Both orchestras will find residential spaces and also facilities for expanding their educational programs for the public. Music schools of various levels will also be involved and will be able to use the Vltava Philharmonic Hall's facilities for their teaching.
The winning design by the BIG studio envisages the construction of three halls, but it will also house the music department and the creative hub of the Municipal Library of Prague. Visitors can look forward to a café or rooftop restaurant, and many will certainly take advantage of the educational activities on offer.
In the case of the Vltava Philharmonic, the roof will be a continuation of the public space of the square – the stepped form will allow those interested to climb to the top without having to enter the building, so everyone will be able to enjoy a unique panoramic view of the whole of Prague.
The designers took inspiration from the Vltava River – this is where the wood that will be used in the construction of the building should come from. The wooden ceilings will permeate from the exterior to the interior, symbolically highlighting the theme of the Vltava Philharmonic Hall's openness to its surroundings.
Emphasis will also be placed on the implementation of glass, another element typical of the Czech Republic, which dominates the facade of the building.
Construction work is expected to start in 2027, and the new concert hall should be completed in 2032.