Circus Hall 22

CTU in Prague - Faculty of Architecture

Project idea

The idea of the Circus Hall 22 project was to create more welcoming conditions for contemporary circus within the premises of the Prague Market Hall in Holešovice. As this building typology is still relatively underdeveloped in our region, the aim of the project was to contribute to its growth and wider recognition. The primary objective was to provide facilities of a sufficiently high standard to support the continued development of the contemporary circus scene.

Project description

The initial phase of the design process was accompanied by research into the characteristics of contemporary circus and its transformation from its original form to its current one. An important part of the research also involved identifying the actual requirements and spatial disadvantages of the currently operating Jatka78 circus located within the market complex.
The next phase focused on finding a suitable space necessary for the full operation of a contemporary circus. The intention was to select an existing structure within the market complex capable of accommodating spaces for professional acrobatic performances, training facilities, and a layout approaching modern theatre typology. Following the initial analyses, Hall 22 proved to be the most suitable location for the project, as its current condition offers a sufficiently open and appropriately sized layout. At the same time, it allows for the preservation of existing public spaces and offers opportunities for their planned future development. Supporting the expansion of cultural spaces within the market complex could, in the future, contribute to restoring its unified character.
The core of the project is based on the need to create suitable and functional interiors. These spaces primarily require an auditorium with seating capacity ranging from 350 to 550 spectators, a stage with a proscenium opening higher than 10.5 meters, backstage facilities with an appropriate fly tower system, storage areas, and interconnected service spaces ensuring the smooth operation of the building.
The exterior functions as an extension of the existing Hall 22. The form of the first level of the extension is created through an analogical transfer of the shape of the current basilica-style lighting structure of the building’s central nave. The second level is also based on an analogy of a characteristic architectural element, working with the repetition of transverse gable roofs from the side wing of the entrance section of the existing structure. The structural solution of the extension follows the principle of the original building, which functioned as a marketplace for pigs and small livestock. A developmental contrast in the structural system for large spans emerges between the original and the proposed state. The red colour was specifically chosen because of its association with the circus tent.

Technical information

The technical documentation consists of a design project containing the drawing documentation of the proposal. The drawings include site plans, floor plans, sections, and elevations illustrating the existing conditions, structural coordination, and the proposed design. They are produced at various scales ranging from 1:300 to 1:1000.
The project is presented in the form of an architectural study supported by research on the typology of contemporary circus architecture, which also informed the acoustic design of the main performance hall. The proposal focuses on providing suitable conditions for the spatial programme of a contemporary circus. Its most prominent architectural feature is an extension constructed using a long-span structural system. This approach creates a clear contrast between contemporary and historic building elements and construction solutions.

Documentation

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