MOL Smíchov

Given the development of sustainable mobility and the trend of urban densification, it is essential to revise sparsely built and monofunctional areas of gas stations. Gas stations function within the context of urban car traffic but are almost nonfunctional as a lively urban element. As part of the development of sustainable mobility and the trend of urban densification, the revision of these sparsely built, monofunctional areas is necessary. While certain forms of mixed-use development for gas stations exist across Europe, such a concept has not yet been implemented in the Czech Republic.

The thesis focuses on a plot within an unfinished urban block near Smíchov Train Station in Prague. The presence of the railway station, metro, and bus terminal gives the area significant importance, making it a crucial transit hub. However, the traffic also creates numerous barriers, limiting pedestrian accessibility. The site is defined by complex urban conditions, dominated by the presence of a gas station and McDonald's. The proposal aimed to retain these existing functions while filling the urban void with new uses, integrating this underutilized area into the surrounding city. The building program is based on the concept of a productive city. The two new buildings primarily serve as workshops and social housing. The reorganization of traffic and the placement of buildings create a new pedestrian zone and improve pedestrian permeability in the area. The skeletal structure of both buildings ensures variability. The gas station is downsized and relocated beneath the cantilevered section of the workshop building as an extension to the existing Strakonická road. The workshop building is designed to accommodate small- and medium-scale crafts and manufacturing, which are increasingly relevant in urban environments but often lack adequate spaces. The workshops function as rental units or studios with shared facilities. The target group includes small entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and artists. Some spaces are designed for public use and commercial purposes. The residential building is designed as social housing that offers affordable units for economically disadvantaged groups. Two apartment typologies are proposed: starter apartments and shared multi-bedroom apartments. The roof is designed as a shared outdoor space that includes a small sports ground and rooftop farming.