Mixed-use blocks in the Palackého street area, Košice

Project idea

​The project addresses one of the most fragmented and traffic-heavy transit zones in Košice - Palackého Street. The core idea is to heal this urban void by daylighting the historical Mlynský náhon waterway, which was buried in 1968 to make way for automobile infrastructure. By bringing the water back to the surface, the project restores the city's collective memory, improves the local microclimate, and transforms a former generic parking lot into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public square anchored by two sustainable polyfunctional blocks. The main philosophy is to re-establish the lost connection between the citizens, the urban fabric, and the element of water.

Project description

​The design introduces two distinct polyfunctional blocks that respond to their specific urban contexts while being unified by the restored waterfront.
​Block A is designed as a composition of two vertical masses rising from a shared plinth, replicating the historical typology of open courtyards facing the river. The southern volume acts as a prominent urban landmark facing the main street, while the northern volume scales down to integrate quietly with Bajzova Street. The ground floor houses a vibrant covered city market connected to a gastro mezzanine, both featuring expansive glazing that opens up to the waterfront square. The upper floors provide modern urban housing topped with a green community roof terrace, offering an elevated oasis with panoramic views.
​Block B occupies the adjacent block and features a more dynamic, sculptural geometry with a folded facade designed to maximize western sunlight. It naturally transitions into the newer development near the city's indoor swimming pool. Its active ground floor offers local retail and services, while apartments are oriented toward a quiet, intimate inner courtyard.
​The daylighted canal serves as the continuous pedestrian and visual spine of the entire development, effectively transforming a hostile transit node into a high-quality, liveable urban environment.

Technical information

​Structural System: Both objects are designed as a robust and flexible reinforced concrete monolithic skeleton framework, allowing for open layouts in the commercial parterre.
​Façade & Materials: Block A utilizes traditional facing clay bricks to reference the historical material of the place. Block B employs natural stone cladding, harmonizing with the recreational character and greenery of the adjacent public swimming pool zone.
​Urban Mobility & Infrastructure: Individual car traffic is reorganized into quiet cul-de-sacs (Bajzova St. and the extended Pri plavárni St.) to eliminate through-traffic and reclaim space for pedestrians. Palackého Street is optimized with dedicated BUS lanes to prioritize public transport, naturally calm transit traffic, and reduce urban noise.
​Sustainability & Building Services: The daylighted waterway acts as a natural cooling element, significantly mitigating the urban heat island effect. Extensive green roofs on Block A support stormwater management and local biodiversity.