This permanent art installation on the rooftop of a residential building on Plzeňská St in Prague complements the existing architecture and contributes to the visual landscape of the Smíchov district. Designed to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings, the piece provides a visual continuity that resonates with the area’s architectural character, offering an understated enhancement that is evident both during the day and at night.
As part of the committee’s review of this permanent installation, Mgr. Kamil Nábělek, Ph.D., a member of the Department of Theory and History of Fine Arts at TUL’s Faculty of Communication, provided his perspective:
“The dialogue between the architects of A.LT Architekti studio and the investors led to the idea of a competition to integrate an artistic piece into the building. Four artists were approached… Prokop Bartoníček presented the most architectural proposal in his interpretation. He drew inspiration from the very structure of the building—its gradual formal progression culminating architecturally in the ‘frame’ of the rooftop terrace. At the same time, this form inherently invites its ‘completion.’ A conscious initial limitation often allows the artist to focus on fundamental parameters and structures, transforming a specific restriction into intensity. Prokop Bartoníček followed this path, and his proposal serves as a kind of intensification of the building and the entire site.
A simple geometric grid of illuminated columns functions as an optically dynamic object that both compositionally concludes the building and simultaneously opens it toward the street. The columns transform into a luminous crown atop the structure, serving as a distinctive landmark and a dominant feature of the surrounding space.”
When I was approached in 2022 by the A.LT Architekti studio participated in a competition selecting a suitable artwork for a residential building in Smíchov; it was clear which path to take. My goal was not to use the architecture as a pedestal for my intention. I decided to complete this quality building adequately and work in favor of architecture, especially its surroundings.
While Plzeňská Street officially begins closer to Anděl, the feeling starts precisely with this house. The final work had to assert itself both during the day and at night without disrupting the character of the surroundings. Dealing with the corner of Plzeňská was a challenge for me.
I greatly thank A.LT Architekti and their broader team for the opportunity and trust, my locksmith master Zdeněk Klein (with whom I have collaborated for almost two decades) for his precise and persistent work, and last but not least, the enlightened investor IP Polná s.r.o., for the “freehand” and support during the realization.