H3T architects set designblok observatory cube in prague’s city center

H3T architects set designblok observatory cube in prague’s city center
image © rostislav zapletal

towering above the sea of passers-by the landmark wenceslas square in prague, czech republic-based H3T architects have built the ‘designblok cube’ as the first outdoor pavilion to be presented for prague’s annual design and fashion week exposition. now in its sixteenth year, the 2014 edition of designblok attended by designboom sees the theme of ‘childhood’ prevail throughout the expansive range of installations, product and furniture design and interactive works on display within school buildings, historic sites and around the urban center, with H3T’s immersive structure exemplifying this topic and serving as a contemporary monument for the city.

‘we were inspired by, among other things, the rubik’s cube, the structure made of cubes in a cube where individual parts can change positions.’ the architects describe ‘visitors to our pavilion represent the mobile component, like imaginary particles which can use the structure as a landscape with a view.’

a multi-dimentional labyrinth provides far-reaching views of the city center
image © rostislav zapletal

the intricately constructed wooden elements come together as a monumental, multi-dimentional labyrinth, with metallic grates acting as landing points from which visitors can climb on and ascend to the structure’s peak. as curious passers-by, tourists and locals alike meander upwards within the open architecture, an interwoven mesh of natural material simultaneously obscures and frames the city center.

an observation area at the very top allows for panoramic and unrestricted views of prague’s famous streets and sights, overlooking the famed former art nouveau grandhotel evropa — one of five unconventional locations hosting designblok events, with hotel rooms acting as exhibitions spaces for sixty, individual producers and brands. 

‘designblok cube’ towers above the sea of passers-by the landmark wenceslas square in prague
image © rostislav zapletal

the construction of the ‘designblok cube’ sees a similar process to other architectural installations they’ve created for use within a landscape: the team has assembled the entire structure themselves at a sawmill and have transported it to wenceslas square. ‘we have a small studio and a workshop where we make everything.’ they explain ‘we have made everything that we have ever built in our workshop. I think that’s great because we can always try things out. we have learnt so much.’

the public pavilion for designblok marks an important landmark for the city center, providing both the inhabitants of prague and the vast spectrum of international visitors with a space of temporary relaxation and architectural interest. 

visitors climb to the structure’s peak 
image © designboom

an interwoven mesh of wooden material spans towards the sky
image © rostislav zapletal

visitors are allowed to walk within the open architectural framework 
image © rostislav zapletal

the immersive cube is made by interlocking wooden boards 
image © designboom

by dusk, the installation is illuminated by street lights 
image © rostislav zapletal

panoramic views can be seen by climbing to the structure’s peak 
image © rostislav zapletal

lights illuminate the structure’s interior framework by night
image © rostislav zapletal

‘designblok cube’ is set within the center of prague for the city’s annual design and fashion week
image © rostislav zapletal

passers-by at night explore the architectural installation 
image © rostislav zapletal

about designblok 2014

the sixteenth year of designblok — known as prague design and fashion week — offers programs in five unconventional buildings located in and around the city center. exhibitors from all over the czech republic and 15 other countries comprise the biggest annual festival of design held in central europe, with presentations and exhibitions within galleries, showrooms and boutiques, while also emerging as contemporary, cultural monuments on the streets.

held from october 7th to october 12th, 2014, this year presents its central theme of ‘childhood’: ‘childhood meant as insouciance, moods quickly shifting from happiness to sadness which is immediately forgotten. childhood as an age of imagination which transports us into a world where everything is possible, where we are heroes just as we imagine. into the world of objects and deeds that turn ourselves into heroes. even though designblok will take place primarily in the city center this year, we will not walk the city streets but pathways where the world is open, beautiful and full of colors and expectations. into the world where love, the good and beauty prevail,’ designblok curators jana zielinski and jiří macek said when characterizing the selected theme.

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