Revitalization of the lower promenade in Trutnov
The lower promenade in Trutnov forms a vital urban axis along the Úpa River, linking the city centre with transport connections and the daily rhythms of urban life. The revitalization proposal reimagines the promenade as a vibrant public spine — a place for movement, gathering, and recreation that strengthens the relationship between the city and its natural landscape.
Today, the promenade serves as an important link between the railway station, the city centre, and the surrounding urban routes. It is used daily by pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents, yet the space suffers from mixed traffic, unclear movement patterns, and an underutilized potential for public life and recreation.
The proposal therefore redefines its character, transforming it from a transit corridor into a vibrant urban space that naturally connects infrastructure with the surrounding landscape and the river.
A key principle of the design is the preservation of the existing movement logic along the waterfront. The cycle path remains closer to the river, while pedestrian routes are widened and made more legible. Vehicular traffic is reduced to a single-lane, one-way road with a traffic-calmed regime (20 km/h), intended primarily for local access. This significantly improves safety and enhances the clarity of the space for all users.
The promenade is conceived as a linear urban park. The green corridor along the river is transformed with an emphasis on preserving mature existing trees, introducing new planting, and creating a comfortable microclimate during the summer months. Pedestrians can choose between a more direct route along the street and a quieter riverside path designed for recreation and everyday use, offering closer contact with the water and a high-quality public environment.
Several distinct destinations are created along the promenade, each with its own character and purpose. These include a gathering space at the steel footbridge with stepped seating, an area for culture and art connected to the UFFO cultural centre, and quieter riverside zones designed for relaxation and contemplation. The stepped seating also transforms the technical remnant of a former steam pipeline into an active and meaningful element of the public realm.
The proposal encourages a wide range of everyday and cultural activities, from casual use and spontaneous encounters to small events, exhibitions, and community gatherings. Simplicity, adaptability, and the long-term resilience of the public realm form the core principles of the design.
Authors: Ing. arch. Michal Rouha, Ing. arch. Marie Delongová, Ing. arch. Barbora Jurášová
Location: Trutnov
Competition: 1st Place Award