FLORENC BUS TERMINAL

The new terminal hall at Florenc Bus Station is the subject of our proposal. The design responds to the specific triangular character of the site, enclosed by the arms of the Negrelli Viaduct, and creates a clear and open urban structure.

CONCEPT

The overall development of the proposal was shaped by the unusual geometry of the plot, which we then translated into the architecture of the building itself. The design completes the urban structure with an emphasis on easy permeability between the metro station, the bus platforms and the surrounding development.

ARCHITECTURE

The building is designed as a lightweight modular structure based on a regular steel grid. This grid responds to the geometry of the site and allows for a flexible arrangement of the interior spaces.

The defining architectural motif is the rhythmic roofscape with a distinctive silhouette, giving a building of this importance — the new terminal hall — a clear identity. The roof overhangs create covered transitions between the interior and exterior, while also sheltering the boarding edge for passengers. The transparent façade supports visual connections between the interior of the hall, the platforms and the public spaces leading towards the commercial units located beneath the viaduct.

WORK FLOW

The operational layout is based on the logic of passenger movement and the need to minimise conflicts between individual functions. The ground floor contains the main waiting hall, with direct visual contact to the platforms, complemented by an information centre, carrier ticket counters, luggage storage, public toilets and commercial rental units.

Retail units are placed along the side areas of the hall so that they can be accessed independently from the public space, while avoiding interference with the main passenger routes.

The second floor is used as an additional waiting area and can also accommodate an expanded number of rental units if needed. Non-public functions, such as staff facilities and technical rooms, are also located on the second floor.

The spaces beneath the arches of the Negrelli Viaduct are integrated into the overall concept as an active urban ground floor with gastronomy and services. They naturally guide visitors towards the terminal and support its integration into the surrounding urban structure.

ENVELOPE

The load-bearing structure of the terminal consists of a steel frame, designed as a system of rolled HEB 300 profiles. The frames are arranged in a regular 8 × 8 metre module and form the main structural system of the building.

In the longitudinal direction, structural stability is provided by rigid frame corners. In the transverse direction, the structure is braced by a system of steel tie rods located in the roof plane and concealed above the suspended ceiling.

The building is founded on precast reinforced concrete footings, onto which the individual steel columns of the frame are anchored. A reinforced concrete strip foundation is proposed around the perimeter of the building to support the façade structure.

INTERIOR

The internal operational spaces are conceived as an independent built-in structure, structurally separate from the main steel frame. This infill is designed as a prefabricated panel system, allowing for rapid assembly, flexibility of internal layout and possible future dismantling or modification.

TECHNOLOGY

The geometry of the roofs and their overhangs is designed to provide shading for the exposed glazed façades and reduce unwanted overheating of the interior. The roof also serves as a surface for photovoltaic panels.

Heating, cooling and ventilation are provided by a central HVAC system. The air handling units are located in a separate technical room on the second floor, from where air is supplied and extracted directly through the building façade. Air distribution to the individual parts of the building is routed through the ceiling zone above the ground floor. The system provides fresh air supply, exhaust air extraction and also serves for both heating and cooling of the interior spaces.

Retail units can either be ventilated independently using local systems or, in the case of open units, form part of the shared hall space and be ventilated centrally. The operation is designed to meet the requirements for fire escape routes from both floors. Thanks to the efficient operational layout of the hall, neither a smoke and heat exhaust system nor an automatic sprinkler system is required.

Competition: 1st place in an international architectural competition
Project: 2026
Build-up area: 1900 m2
Gross floor area: 1200 m2
Location: Florenc, Praha, Česká republika
Client: PENTA real estate