Information Centre Karlovy Vary

The information centre study was commissioned by the Office of the Chief Architect of Karlovy Vary with the aim of creating an information centre serving not only visitors, but also local residents. At the same time, the centre is intended to act as a “beacon” drawing attention to the future development of the area along the Ohře River. For this reason, it is designed as a modular and relocatable structure that could fulfil the same function in other development areas in the future.

The proposed site between Varšavská and Západní streets lies on an important pedestrian route connecting the Lower and Upper railway stations, the bus terminal at the Market Hall and the main pedestrian zone along T. G. Masaryka Street. Five containers are arranged in a U-shape around an existing mature tree. This creates a compact single-storey building with an internal courtyard, while the modular construction allows the structure to be easily relocated.

The single-storey layout ensures easy accessibility and a simple construction system. The roof of the information centre can also be used as a summer terrace, additional exhibition space or a venue for cultural events such as discussions, openings and presentations. The courtyard with its mature tree forms a quiet green centre of the building, visible from the lounge area. The rooftop terrace offers a place to sit in the shade of the tree canopy.

A distinctive element of the proposal is the observation tower, which acts as a landmark, signalling the presence of the information centre from a distance. Given the visually fragmented character of the surrounding area – including an underpass, vegetation, a busy road, a bridge and the river – the tower helps establish a clear identity for the site. The climb to the level of the cornices of the surrounding buildings also offers a new perspective on a familiar part of the city and creates an appropriate setting for presenting the future development of Karlovy Vary. The inner space of the tower’s staircase can be used as an exhibition area for posters, information panels or art installations.

The architecture of the tower is based on a motif derived from the Karlovy Vary logo. Its quarters are randomly rotated to create a new abstract geometric pattern. The façade elements are conceived as a site-specific reference to the local tradition of porcelain production. The same motif appears in an adapted form on the façade of the information centre, where it is milled into the sheet-metal cladding. The resulting perforation softens the industrial character of the container structure and, as the light changes, creates projected patterns on the surrounding surfaces.

The information centre is extensively glazed towards its most visually exposed southern and eastern façades. The aim is to allow passers-by to look inside and perceive the activities taking place within as a natural invitation to enter. The glazed surfaces are complemented by fixed and movable sheet-metal panels. Perforated panels provide shading, while the movable elements function as shutters and additional surfaces for posters and information about exhibitions, festivals and other events.

The entrance area is complemented by a new concrete seating staircase and a raised wooden deck with shading canopies. Together, they provide additional seating and extend the capacity of the information centre into the public space. A new pedestrian path with bicycle stands runs along the eastern façade.

The interior is conceived in a restrained manner, with an emphasis on a distinctive information desk that is materially connected to the tower through the use of the same porcelain elements. The remaining elements are finished in black and dark grey tones to allow the information materials and exhibits to stand out. These are complemented by timber and a warm beige floor. The lounge area provides wooden armchairs for visitors who wish to study the available materials at their leisure.

The proposal combines a flexible modular structure, public space and a distinctive landmark. The information centre thus becomes more than a place for providing information: it also serves as a tool for presenting and gradually opening up the future development of this part of Karlovy Vary.