New Buildings in the Historic Centre of Prague 1990-2020

Between 1990 and 2020, the Historic Centre of Prague underwent significant transformation post-communist regime change, marked by new buildings that filled long-standing gaps, creating a distinct architectural layer. While some developments, like the Four Seasons or Quadrio, sparked controversy due to their size and commercial nature, others, such as the Langhans House or Hotel Metropol, were celebrated for their sensitive integration with historic surroundings. The study analyzes these projects in context, revealing a shift from pluralistic approaches in the 1990s—characterized by public debates and architectural diversity—to a later period dominated by administrative and commercial interests, exacerbated by weakened heritage institutions and relaxed urban regulations. This analysis highlights the dual impact of new constructions on Prague's architecture: both as potential enrichment and as threats to its historic integrity.

Biegel, R. (2025). New Buildings in the Historic Centre of Prague 1990-2020. Staletá Praha, 41(1), 2–69. https://doi.org/10.56112/sp.2025.1.01