PVA EXPO Praha
Congress hall
Project 2013–2014
Execution 2014–2015
A recently completed exposition building serves as a new gateway into the PVA EXPO premises in Letňany, Prague. It comprises an entrance hall which attends to the larger part of visitors, provides a modern background for the whole precinct and contains a congress hall for 650 people.
By a simple insertion of an independent structure with a distinct expression into the existing industrial hall we redefined its interior, creating two interconnected, nevertheless very different worlds – a generous foyer with an open gallery and a multi-functional congress hall.
The first is open, busy, full of life and movement. The red floor contrasts with the white reflective shell and industrial steel beams and together they create a striking and easily retainable image.
The congress hall, on the other hand, is intentionally toned down to leave space for what is going on inside it. The pleasant impression is supported by a high-quality acoustic solution, dimmable lighting, a soft carpet and simple black&white colouring.
The two spaces are connected via five terse slits respecting the rhythm of the existing construction of the hall. They simplify the spatial orientation, permeability and leave an open view of the entire space via a large-format glass.
The design incorporates all the necessary facilities, the VIP sky-box, the storage area and technologies. At the same time it allows transform the visual character of both its principal parts by a multimedia projection on the smooth white shell.
The structure consists of a supporting wall system of thin-walled steel profiles sheathed in plaster-fibre boards with paint finish. Connection with the ground level is secured by two subtle steel staircases and a high-capacity evacuation elevator.
Architects: PROGRES ATELIER, Vojtěch Kaas, Jan Kalivoda, Petr Sova
Location: PVA Expo Letňany, Beranových 667, Prague, Czech republic
General Planners: Jindřich Kaas, PROGRES ATELIER
Client: PVA EXPO, a.s.
Area: 1610 sqm
Project Year: 2014 – 2015
Photographs: Vojtěch Kaas, David Bruner, Jan Hromádko