Dunajské nábrežie

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table of contents INTRODUCTION ABSTRACT

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1. BRATISLAVA & DANUBE - CONNECTED OR UNCONNECTED? 11 - 31 1.1. Bratislava - the site and its landmarks 1.2. Urban transformation of the city 1.3. Development of the relation between the city and the river 1.4. Regulation plan - 1929 1.5. Story of south city - Petrzalka and its consequences in relation to the river 1.6. New regulation plan - 2007 + plus addition 01 and 02 2. WATERFRONT OF BRATISLAVA - HISTORICAL CENTRE AND IMPORTANT INTERVENTIONS 33 - 63 2.1. From “Central Park” of Bratislava to commercial centres 2.2. Interventions and image of the waterfront - synthesis 3. COMPETITIONS AND STUDIES 3.1. Vydrica - under castle 3.2. Project “City interventions” 3.3. PKO case 4. ANALYSES

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5. THEME - OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

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6. DIVERSITY OF WATERFRONT - introduction into the project

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7. PROJECT OF WATERFRONT IN BRATISLAVA - river as a double hug 7.1. References 7.2. Function - Relations - Morfology 7.3. Masterplan 8.CONCLUSION

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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INDEX OF IMAGES

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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117 - 149

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introduction Within waterfront of Bratislava there is possibility to distinguish between several zones, parts with different character, that is underlining the diversity. The idea should be to not just revaluate these zones or to create new spaces, importance is their connection.

An objective of this thesis is to illustrate issue of waterfront in Bratislava and at the same time introduce strategy, concept of continual waterfront, which can lead into brighter idea of identity of city. Strategy, where river becomes kind of connecting element, “double hug” of the city through transformed public spaces and greenery.

“How gorgeous this city had to be before the earthquake.” is a motto from book Changes of Bratislava by Peter Salner and it is citation from foreign tourist after visiting building up the south part of city. Today we could just pessimistically say “how gorgeous this city had to be” or optimistically “how gorgeous this city could be!”

Bratislava is one of these European metropolises that are characteristic with the river flowing through the city.

But the difference from other cities is that there is absence of this natural element. Individual spaces on waterfront, spots, areas of green are in disparate concept, without any mutual connection, or continuity, they do not communicate with each other. For example there is new two hectare strip of greenery between bridges of Apollo and an “Old” Bridge as a part of commercial centre Eurovea. But in direction toward the castle it is directly connected with parking lots close to the building of the old harbor and going in the opposite direction on the other side it is a closed complex of Winter harbor. On top of that while sitting on the water’s edge of Eurovea, there is an open view over the south side of Petrzalka, where today is an unused space without any concept of green or public spaces.

Waterfront of Danube in Bratislava was in past and still is in present offering a lot of opportunities for the development of the city. Current situation can be expressed in words of Holland photographer Illah van Oijen, where she compares the character of Bratislava to schizophrenia – ambivalence. We can talk about ambivalence in different levels - on one side there are ambitions of new centers, like the motto of Riverpark “enjoy the river”, on the other side it is the concrete construction of flood protection walls. Another level is the relation towards historical values, question of cultural continuity like the case of PKO, or House of sailors in Winter Harbor, on the other side it is “the desire of the city to be not just modern, but possibly the most modern city in Europe”.

Public spaces according to theories by Kevin Lynch or Carmona must have features for example like own identity, continuity, quality of public space, fluid of movement, legibility, adaptability or diversity.

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abstract Ai flussi del Danubio che attraversano la città di Bratislava, si contrappone la non continuità degli spazi pubblici lungo entrambe le sponde del fiume. I singoli spazi non sono connessi tra loro, anche se sulle rive del fiume si sviluppano strutture moderne, storiche e verde. Il problema di base che viene affrontato è : “qual’è l’identità di Bratislava? quale il suo rapporto con l’elemento acqua?”.

Il progetto presenta un’analisi complessa della zona del lungofiume di Bratislava, incentrato sul problema della continuità dei singoli spazi a cui viene data una soluzione attraverso l’idea del fiume che tramite un doppio abbraccio, collega le due diverse parti di città attraverso l’elemento acqua. Allo stesso tempo il progetto offre interventi mirati a riqualificare i singoli spazi, portando tramite la loro somma la risoluzione del problema dell’ identità della città, facendo riferimento al genius loci del sito.

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abstract As well as Danube flows through the city of Bratislava, there is a counterpart of non – continuity of public spaces along both sides of the waterfront. Individual spaces are not connected with each other, even if there are modern, historical structures, undeveloped, greenery.

They open the basic question – “what is the identity of Bratislava and its relationship to the element of water.”

The project presents complex analysis of area of the waterfront in Bratislava, centered on problem of continuity of individual spaces and offers solution through an idea of river as a double hug, where two different parts of the city are connected through the element of water and at the same time offers interventions that will join together the individual spaces. The project tries to move forward problem of identity of the city by referring the genius loci of the environment.

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1 BRATIS"VA & DANUBE – connected or unconnected?

1.1. Bratislava - the site and its landmarks 1.2. Urban transformation of the city 1.3. Development of the relation between the city and the river 1.4. Regulation plan - 1929 1.5. Story of south city - Petrzalka and its consequences in relation to the river 1.6. New regulation plan - 2007 + plus addition 01 and 02

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hill

south city - Petr탑alka

1.1. Air photo of Bratislava

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Old Town

Danube

1. 1.Bratislava - the site and its landmarks Within the city of Bratislava we can identify several composition points that create the basic characteristic, silhouette of the city and are also the characteristics for identity. There is castle with organic structure of the hill, river Danube as linear element. On the opposite there is natural element – flooded wood and bio–corridor of greenery, which creates fluid along the left side of the waterfront. Among composition points we can add also the New Bridge that with its verticality creates contrast to castle hill.

There can be two different distinguishing sides of waterfront. One is urban, historical centre which was developed through centuries into a big city with districts and the other one is natural, still staying with its characteristics.

Couple years ago, even citizens of downtown took Petržalka´ s riverside as the natural one, where they could find recreation and escape from the rush of the city. It is also a paradox, because going more south Petržalka is considered as a “grey” part of city full of “panel” “panel dwellings created in socialist era. And even more is cut off from river by highway. As a result of this, Bratislava seems not connected, even with ith five bridges.

1.2. View from UFO in top of “New” Bridge

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1.2. Urban transformation of the city Bratislava is capital city of Slovak Republic, from the date of its formation, January 1st 1993. There were several names in past for this city, sometimes it is called Beauty on a Danube or City of Peace. The first letter contract where the city is mentioned is from 907 because of fight that took place here. But the history of Bratislava started with Celtic settlements or later when the story is connected to Roman Empire. In recent times there was an archeological discovery in part of Vydrica – ruins of wood house coming from Slavic settlements. Bratislava lies in the crossing of trade routes, what became important for its development. Step by step Bratislava became well – known place and in 1288 became a royal town, and from 1536 it was a capital city of the predecessor of today’s Hungary”. Following with period, where importance of city was in its ups and downs rising or falling. Also at the end of the existence of Hungary (Ugrian) it was not anymore the capital city.

Significant changes happened after the First World War, where there was no more existence of Austro – Ugrian and a new state was founded– Czechoslovakia. The destiny of Bratislava was decided in Versailles, where the city was officially added to the new state and from 1919 its name remained the same – Bratislava. Bratislava became the capital city of the Slovakian part in new state organization. Between wars the city developed and achieved international importance. Economic crisis in 1929 hit also Bratislava and was followed by the decadence. The most significant event was in 1939, when in consequences of other events Czechoslovakia was divided into two states that both supported Germany in Second World War. Bratislava became in the war period the capital city of Slovak Republic. Liberation in 1945 by Red Army brought again formation of Czechoslovakia and its addition to the blocks of Soviet states.

Bratislava changed in several ways, mainly in national way, when after the war the citizens with German and Hungarian nationality were violently moved out.

After that socialization started with reprisals from system.

Situation became acute in 1968, when Soviet army crossed the border of Czechoslovakia, and without any fight established period of normalization. “Architecture became instrument of power and artist had to submit himself.”

Quantity exceeded quality, in buildings – up for panel housing or industrial buildings, controversial buildings – like New Bridge and demolition of historical part of extramural settlement in Vydrica.

Despite of negatives Bratislava became important city with European meaning. After Velvet revolution in 1989 and an end of Soviet Era, leaders of Czechoslovakia decided in 1992 that from January 1st of next year there will be again configuration of two independent states – Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The river Danube is flowing through Bratislava and is considered as a second biggest river in Europe, so Bratislava lies on the connection of Rhine – Mohan – Danube.

This classifies Bratislava among important nodes with international importance.

Also on the first maps can be seen connection between the river Danube and the city. Bratislava has border with two states – Austria and Hungary and is the only capital city in the world with such a configuration.

Basically three different cultures interfere here – Austrian, Hungarian and Slovak. For example the distance of 60km between Vienna and Bratislava is also considered exceptional that it is the tightest system of two capital cities in Europe.

Bratislava has 428 791 inhabitants according to data from 2008, 88 percent are Slovaks, from other nations there are Hungarians, Czechs, Germans. It is assumed, that during a work day there might be almost 650 000 people in the city. The city has self – government, there is an elected mayor and city council. Bratislava has five zones, with 17 districts. next page 1.3. Logo of Slovakia 1.4. Geography of Slovakia

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1.5. Historical map of Bratislava from 15. Century 1.6. Concept of the project

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1.3. Development of the relation between the city and the river Waterfront of Bratislava, as well as in other cities, had various functions through centuries. The important one was a trade function that was situated in harbor including transshipment. Danube, furthermore, was an important communication line, offered resources for fishermen, whom dwellings where along left riverside from Vydrica up to Dunajska Street. In medieval era, riverbanks of Danube weren’t stabile and the only possibility to regulate the river was with small constructions. Dwellings were built in flood area that was originally up to Hviezdoslavovo square. One of the stream of Danube flowed even through the district of Mlynske Nivy. On Petržalka´s side the river created a grid of islands In medieval era a lot of small bridges existed, which alternately were built or destroyed. First written note about bridge in Bratislava is from 1271, when Přemysl Otakar II. ordered to build the bridge for its army to get to the city.

Development of waterfront is a result of floods and realization of regulation plans from 19th and 20th century.

An artificial bank was added to create the final shape, which can be seen today. This fact influenced urbanization of waterfront, where in sequence urban and architectural complexes were built – campus of university’s dormitory, complex of Danube international fair trade (until 1955, when there was Park of culture and relax built), sport complex of shipyards. In the second half of 20th century, the city started with exhibitions of chemical products, what lead to the design of INCHEBA exposition place (FIERA) on right riverside of Danube and it underline the trade, exhibitory function of city.

Demolition of the west side of historical centre (Rybne square, part of extramural settlement – Vydrica) was because of design of the New Bridge (Bridge SNP) in late 60s of 20th century.

It was a lost of cultural heritage and new road created barrier between area of the castle and historical centre.

The river Danube was an important node in transportation in the middle Europe even in the past, and because of the development it was also necessary to adjust its shape in Bratislava. Two basins in Winter Harbor were built at the end of 19th century and still have their shape till these days. Bratislava on Danube has a rich history, changing between success periods or failure ones. Importance was significant under the monarchy of Maria Theresa, when one of the first bridges was built between north and south part of the city. The bridge was constructed by J. W. Kempelen in 1770, called “Boat Bridge” because of its special construction.

On the north part of the waterfront cantonment were built (today SNG – Slovak National Gallery), but for the most part they were destroyed during the Second World War. In the 70s architect Dedecek designed well-known addition to the SNG. Facade in style of brutalism even today is causing various reactions from the supporters and from the critics. Still it represents an important architectural work connected to Danube and the city.

As the number of inhabitants was rising, there was development and growing production in construction field.

In 1787 modifications to the embankment were made from the harbor up to the cantonment for possible future development of the city. Buildings constructed in 19th century in this area had industrial characteristics; this was expressing the growth of the city.

A very important step in the 18th century was the opening of the biggest park - Sad Janka Krala on Petrzalka´s side. when new building was designed.

Several changes happened during the construction of another bridge – pontoon bridge.

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Among important interventions during the modification of the river is linked to the modifications of the waterfront of course except for the creation of the basin are when some small arms of the river were filled up with the ground for the needs of constructions in the north part of the city.

In 1891 the first fixed bridge was constructed named after the Emperor Frantisek Jozef I. Beside this fixed bridge there was still a pontoon bridge situated close to the L. Stura square, later replaced by boat travelling from one side to another – Propeler. (today it is not in operation any more). Another important node in transport is Fajnorovo square with the “Old harbor”; it was reconstructed in 1962 – 1964 when new building was designed. Today it is used for connection to Vienna and tourism. Razusovo square has changed significantly after the project of hotel Danube, demolition of Rybne square and the construction of “New” Bridge and SNG. West part of waterfront was developed after competition on dormitory Lafranconi and exhibition area replaced by PKO (Centre of culture and relax). Here is the beginning to develop the idea of waterfront as a system of public spaces, promenades with services for people.

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1.4. Regulation plan - 1929 The era of 20s brought ideas about “functional ideal city” in many cities and also in Bratislava. Several competitions were realized, among them is the regulation plan from 1929. Project by architects J. Tvarožek, A. Dryak, K. Chlumecký won the first prize. The idea was to create new centre in streets of Krizna and Radlinskeho towards two nodes - Trnavske myto and Racianske myto. There was new a connection from main train station directly to downtown. Unfortunately this regulation plan with qualities of great connections and design wasn’t realized for political reasons. Subsequently the economic crisis in 1929 created increased needs for apartments and city’s municipality decided about large social housing building plan.

Architects today underline the importance of realization of regulation plan from 1929. D. Bada said: “Regulation of city’s space is definitely necessary and the fact that modern regulation wasn’t realized until now belongs to the biggest shadow of our development. If the regulation plan from 1929 had been realized, many problems would not exist or could be smaller, we could think about the future from different position.”

Between other interesting projects from competition belong the proposals from architects Grossman and Balaz, and Akay with Forbath. Competition on regulation plan of the city of Bratislava was definitely an impulse for questions regarding the problem of complex urbanism of the cities and urban principles. Even the final proposal wasn’t realized; it underlined a long term discussion about infrastructure in the city and possibilities to connect downtown with the waterfront through the tunnel under the castle. Two proposals brought in competition this idea to create tunnel for better access to the waterfront.

Here started the first idea to create expo space next to the river for exhibition purposed. (today PKO and expo were moved to Petrzalka´s side) Until that time the only connection was under the castle and caused problems.

Tunnel was realized in 1949 but remained as the only element, which was mentioned in regulation plan in 1929.

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exit of tunel idea of boulevard going under the connecting train station castle and downtown

new city centre

previous page 1.7. Regulation plan by architects Grossman and Balaz 1.8. Regulation plan by architects Akay and Forbath up 1.9. Winning regulation plan by architects Tvarozek, Dryak, Chlumecky

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idea of new basins in waterfront

1.5. Story of South City - Petrzalka and its consequences in relation to the river

1.10. View from top of “New� Bridge towards south city Petrzalka next page up 1.11. Lido - natural swimming pool in Petrzalka down 1.12. Chorvatske rameno - centre of Petrzalka

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Petržalka is a district of Bratislava and the face that it has today was created in Soviet era as entire “panel” housing. It is considered as the biggest “panel” building area in Slovakia and in the middle Europe. At the beginning of 70s, there was an international competitions announced, in which over 80 teams subscribed from all over the world. Into the last round, there were several projects from Austria, 2 from Czechoslovakia, Japan and USA chosen. Unfortunately, the final result was never respected and the reality which came after was significantly different from the ideas of competition. Like it was mentioned before “architecture became instrument of power”. In the competition, there was one of the conditions to design the city for 60 000 inhabitants, finally the district was built for 150 000 inhabitants. Construction started in 1973 and 99% of the original dwellings were demolished.

Development of the south city is an example of ambivalence that has labeled also the identity of the city. Original village with low single housing was founded in 13th century, according to the documents that mentioned the existence of this area.

The village was growing and after the Second World War was considered as being the biggest village in Slovakia. Characteristic environment of the original village that is captured only on photographs was replaced by architectural uniformity.

The genius loci environment of Petrzalka represented recreational function and was “natural” waterfront in contrast to the city. Here a natural swimming pool Lido was situated and the stripe between the river and highway was a well known space for relax for people from town.

Natural swimming pool Lido (today not exist)

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1.6. New Regulation Plan 2007 + addition 01 and 02 South direction of development of city – hearing of Urban Study for right riverside ( between “Old” Bridge and Bridge Pristavny ) confirmed inevitability of design for one of the most attractive part of developing area in city by urban competition – forming Bratislava as metropolis of third millennium in Europe.

In development of services: in right riverside renewal of historical objects in relation to Park – Sad Janka Krala (Lebenfinger, Au Cafe, Arena) page 6

Bratislava has a general city plan from 2007, which was supplemented in 2008 and subsequently in 2009 with additions and changes. In this chapter, there are paragraphs mentioned which discussed the waterfront within whole binding document.

There is absence of concept of waterfront. It is not mentioned unity of both riversides, where one is urban, second has tendency to be “natural”. Individual paragraphs just indicate inevitability to solve case of waterfront, but they are just axioms, which in practice appeared just partially. For example the idea about composition axes from Vajanskeho waterfront up to Lafranconi was disrupted by new controversial buildings.

B – Design of General City Plan Developing potential of two transportation nodes with international meaning – airport M. R. Stefanika and Winter Harbour – aren’t today sufficiently in use. page 33 In functional and space configuration of city there are in General City Plan created urban conditions for growth of Bratislava as a metropolis of middle Europe and Danubian Region with representation of values of whole Slovakia within new relations after entering European Union.

Design of areas in centre along both riversides of Danube page 32 Valuation of specific phenomena of natural environment of city, what is water, to create new attractiveness of international tourism and recreation, with design of new complex mainly connected to river Danube page 33

General City Plan, Bratislava, 2007 A – basic information In years 1998 – 2000 was elaborated Urban Study Podhradie, which after hearing by city council became Urban Plan for competitions and detailed solution of individual zones. Subsequently ran up urban – architectural competition for south part of castle hill – extramural settlement. In 2005 was elaborated Design Urban Plan zone Podhradie.

In 1996 was hearing for urban study PKO, which became Urban Plan for competitions and detailed solution of individual zones. Subsequently ran up urban – architectural competition “Bratislava and waterfront”. The most valuated project from competition was finished in 2002 into Urban Study and got hearing from city council. In 2003 was by act n.243/2003 by City Council passed change of act n.857 / 2002 about regulation of building of zone. (page 3)

Changes and Additions 01 – year 2008 The reason for submission Changes and Additions 01 was change within European concept of infrastructural grid TEN-T, where project is also related to Bratislava and it is designed important connection with Paris through middle Europe.

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In term of internationality has importance for water transport Old Harbour Bratislava, where are anchored ships from whole Europe. Design of non – transportation areas has to fill up following requests and objectives: exceeding of pedestrian zones in centre – including riverside of Danube

Linear urban spaces with green areas parallel with flow of Danube – Flooded Wood, Park Sad Janka Krala, urbanization between “Old” Bridge and Bridge “Pristavny” in sense of Urban Study Documentation page 168 Respect and protect in city centre on left riverside of Danube the green of panorama – green of castle hill, green of promenade..

Respect in city centre on right riverside of Danube design of waterfront as representative public parks – green squares in main node of new “city” between “Old” Bridge and Bridge Apollo page 171 Urban composition and image of city: respect river Danube, significant phenomena, which is forming urbanization of city

Changes and Additions 02 – year 2009 Principles and regulations: design areas of both riversides of Danube for function of Bratislava as a metropolis on Danube Identify phenomena of “water” and values of natural environment of city in development of attractiveness of international tourism and recreation page165 Localize representative cultural buildings with further meaning in the most attractive areas of centre and riverside of Danube page 166 In General City Plan respect, create and develop: promenade of waterfront and related to areas of river Danube Potential of area for development of metropolis functions of capital city in riverside of Danube Respect development of city centre on both riversides of Danube with main node in district Old Town, developing and composition axis of city structure and contiguous locations in directions: from Vajanskeho waterfront until Botanical Garden, from Staromestska Street until 4.

Quadrant directly to Austria Respect part of city centre in right side of Danube as starting point of development of Danubian part of city, defined by waterfront and south buildings in Einstein Street: 29

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2 WATERFRONT IN BRATIS"VA HISTORICAL CENTRE AND IMPORTANT INTERVENTIONS 2.1. From Central Park of Bratislava to commercial centres 2.2. Interventions and image of the waterfront - synthesis

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The theme of this chapter - historic centre and important interventions seeks to present 12 projects, which step by step has been changing the waterfront of Danube, its function, some of them in positive way, some of them in negative way. Several projects are today inseparable parts of understanding the silhouette of the city, others come with perplexity in question – which way is heading the waterfront of Danube in Bratislava.

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Historic centre - symbiosis of the city and the river Inner city is that part of Bratislava, which was situated inside the ex – city walls. Today the borders of the inner city sometimes aren’t marked clearly, in some archives there are additions as Vydrica or waterfront.

The name of Inner city was used in 18th century until 1848. That year it was changed to an Old Town (Altstadt), which is used til today, but today it is considered as wider area.

Inner city has border with these streets: in west with Staromestska, in north with Kapucinska, Hurbanovo square and Square SNP, in east with Kamenne square, and in south with Hviezdoslavovo square and Gorkeho Street.

The inner city is historical centre of Bratislava, and belongs to the most attractive parts of the city, where all the streets and squares has original plan and weren’t changed through the years. It was also a district, where aristocracy lived and important events took place.

2.1. Historical view of Bratislava

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2.2. Historical map of Bratislava 1895

2.3. Historical map of Bratislava 1438 - 55

2.4. Downtown one of the entrances

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2.5. View from “New� Bridge towards downtown

historic centre

2.6. Historical map of Bratislava 1905

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Park - sad Janka Krala - “Central Park” of Bratislava

2.7. View from “New” Bridge 2.8. Historical map of Park Sad Janka Krala before reconstruction in 70s

With its dimensions of 42 ha it can’t be the concurrent to Central Park in New York, but definitely is one of the landmarks of the city. Park is marked as the oldest public park in the middle Europe; it was founded in years 1774 – 76 with this purpose, to create space of greenery for people. Its exposed position on the right riverside of Danube underlines the idea of “nature” riverside of Danube. Among original names there are Bruck(en)au, Bruck(en) , Au(g)e(r)l – later Petrzalské sady or Tyrsove Sady.

An 8 edge star was created with alleys, where plant lines of trees – every alley with different species of trees.

The park went through several renovations, the greatest one was realized on the 70s, and last revitalization was in 2006. Diversity of trees underlines the importance of park, with the most significant are platanus with age around 200 years. Today, the park is under the law of state care of historical monuments in category of historical greenery.

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2.9. Green in Park Sad Janka Krala 2.10. Historical map of Park

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Old Harbour - tradition vs. today ?

The building of the Old Harbour is situated in a place of the original building from the beginning of the century, which was very important element in trade function of waterfront of Danube. Initially in this area there was a railway line that connected this area with today’s Winter Harbour. Today the building doesn’t attain the importance from the past, there are several services as travel agency to book cruise to Vienna, restaurant and shops.

2.11. View from Petrzalka side towards downtown

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Winter Harbour - symbol of the development of the city 2.12. Cranes in Winter Harbour 2.13. Air photo down 2..14.Current situation in Winter Harbour

The beginning of Winter Harbour dates back from year 1897, where over time this part of Bratislava developed.

Two basins that today are creating the characteristic picture were built in 1907. Following with period of success between the wars, several technical buildings were built, that are today the examples of cultural continuity. Famous storehouse N.7 was built in years of 1921 – 1922 and was renewed as a part of commercial complex Eurovea. There is building from years 1904 – 1905, where pumps for sewerage waters were placed built from bricks with rectangular shape and symbols of secession.

The building called “House of sailors” is also important.

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In the 30s it was considered as one of the most important harbors in Europe, so Bratislava became important crossroad, where also exhibitions were held for a while.

Winter Harbor is connected to the historical centre. Also the axis line from the castle ends in the middle arm of the harbor. But as the city is full of life and rush, the opposite is calm and almost absurdly silent of area of harbor. Today, it doesn’t achieve the importance as it was in past as well as Old Harbor mentioned before. It is used just for about 50 percent; there are several ships that are anchored here for many years. The oldest ship is from 1936 and is considered to be a wreck, but could be a part of museum.

Today there are ideas, that the area of Winter Harbor should be transformed. Unfortunately in the regulation plan of the city, this concept hasn’t appeared yet. In time, when other European cities transform their harbor into dwelling zones, or areas for recreation, harbor in Bratislava remains untouched. I think, the concept could and should follow the identity of earlier industrial Bratislava and in symbiosis it could create a brand new district.

2.15. Railways in Winter Harbour

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House of sailors

Flooded wood in Petr탑alka

2.16. View of south city Petrzalka 2.17. House of sailors 2.18. Second basin in Winter Harbour

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Shipyard - hidden but subscribed on national heritage list Shipyard represents one of three shipyards that we can found on the riversides of Danube in Bratislava. It is situated in part of the waterfront at the beginning of district Karlova Ves, where in the past there was also a tradition in recreation and sport. Earl Lafranconi left a message that “this area should belong to water”, as is written in archive of Society of canoeing. In 1880 he established document, where this area is defined for sport purposes.

Today the original character is disappearing over time, because of new building complex, closure of the club for grad school canoe and vague question about the future of the object of club.

2.19. Shipyard current situation 2.20. Historical photo of shipyard from beginning of 20.century

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PKO - Park of culture and relax Culture next to the river 2.21. Atmosphere in PKO centre

“Park of culture and relax” is significant architectural complex on the waterfront of Danube, which underlines several functions here, from representative, through exhibitory up to cultural. Complex is one the area of Bratislava, with which inhabitants are identifying and for most of them has important meaning. Until its closure, the park was still a place for various events.

Park was created as a part of urban concept of exhibition place next to dormitory Lafranconi and research centre of water – resources economy. The idea was to design a public space open to the people. Complex was realized in years of 1943 – 1954 in functionalism.

There are three main halls with rooms for various events with the whole capacity of 2500 – 2900 seats.

Important parts are art work with significant historical function – window pane by J. Alexy, painting by Gajdos and sculpture by T. Bartfay.

Today, the park is a subject of contention between the city council, developer, who bought lands from previous municipality, but objects of PKO are still in property of the city. Also contracts of sale are under the investigation of commission of European Union. A lot of civil associations, also architects, or inhabitants are against to intention to demolish PKO and potential replacement or resemblance to “mega blocks” as is the Riverpark.

Also in Bratislava there isn’t a place such as PKO, and could be a great loss of cultural identity and architectural values in case of demolish.

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“New Bridge” - New meets Old New Bridge was on one side declared as the best building of century in Slovakia in category of bridge constructions; on the other side it divided the castle hill from historical centre. It belongs to an Association World Federation of Great Towers – 28th place, as the only one in list, which is defined as pylon bridge. Because of its construction, there were almost 400 dwellings demolished in the Jewish suburb called Vydrica and historic buildings as synagogue.

New Bridge is one of the 5 bridges in main town, which connect both riverside of Danube. I included it in the list of interventions, because today it is inseparable part of panorama of the city, but it is also a memento of the extinct part of extramural settlement.

Type of the construction is one – pylon, steel, and cables – stayed bridge with fan – shaped design. It is also interesting that any of the columns aren’t in the water stream of Danube, so it is consider as the greatest bridge in Bratislava. It was built in years 1967 – 1972 based on a results of international competition. As a consequences of economic problems, a project from 4th place was chosen from architects – Jozef Lacko, Ladislav Kusnir, Ivan Slamen, Arpad Tesar, Jozef Zvara.

On a top of the pylon a restaurant UFO is situated (before called Bystrica) at the height of 85m, where is also observation. The elevator is in left column, in right one there is an escape staircase. The New Bridge is one of the dominants of the city and with its verticality on the Petržalka´s riverside it creates adequate composition to the castle hill.

2.22. Pylon of “New” Bridge 2.23. View from the top of the “New” Bridge

2.24. Historical air photo of castle and downtown

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2.25. Construction of “New” Bridge

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Incheba - Fiera - representation

One of the functions in the past of the waterfront of Danube was exhibitory, known as Bratislava´s markets and was taken in 18th and 19th century, later called Danube´s markets. In 1967 there was an organized Exhibition of chemical products – INCHEBA and the tradition returned. Over the time the exhibition acquired prestige also abroad. Today the space is used for exhibitions for diverse international events.

Incheba – INternational CHemical BratislavA Complex of these exhibition spaces with its scale and dimensions are the greatest in Bratislava. I put it there between projects that in important way affected the perception of the context of river Danube in the city. Project of exhibition area was composed as part of urban study of Petržalka from architects Chovanec and Talaš, actually in a place on the right riverside of Danube next to New Bridge.

2.26. Tower of Fiera 2.27. Expo arena in Fiera

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Project was developed at the end of professional career of architect Dedeček, who belongs among the most significant people on Slovak architectural scene.

Architect Zalman wrote about this building in his essay as a project, where the dominants are “strong gestures, expressive volume design and excess of horizontals”.

With these sentences he also characterized features of Dedecek´s architecture. Actually, the horizontal elements in contrast with vertical ones are distinctive design, which changed panorama and at the same time gave balance between Petržalka´s riverside and castle hill.

Original concept from late 70s was built only partially and with limits. The end of the first phase of realization was in years 1990 – 1995. Within the complex there are several types of exhibition areas, among the most important ones belongs Expo Arena, which is used for various cultural and sporting events. Late additions in buildings didn’t follow the first idea of architect, where system of horizontal terraces should have divided the places for pedestrian’s way from the traffic.

2.28. Tower of Incheba Fiera

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D2 - highway - south city is cut off from river

This highway belongs to Slovak highways that connects border checkpoint, crossing several cities, mainly Bratislava. In main town it is going through south city – Petržalka next to riverside of Danube, so the south city is cut off from the river. Highway was constructed in years 1969 – 2007. Several studies tried to solve to question how to reconnect the city with the river with overpasses or bridges.

2.29. View of D2 highway 2.30. View of D2 highway, on left side south city Petrzalka

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Apollo Bridge - new connection of 2 parts of the city

Apollo is the last bridge from all the bridges built on Danube in Bratislava, constructed in years 2002 – 2005. Type of the bridge is arched. In 2006 the bridge achieved prestige prize Opal AWARDS for the best construction of the year. They named it after the ex – refinery that was situated on the left riverside.

Its construction is formed - shaped from arched construction on flowing pontoons on the left side of the river. Then to finish the construction it was turning through Danube to the next side of waterfront. There are pedestrian and bicycle pathways, but on both sides of the riverside the connections with promenades are missing or completely absent.

2.31. Sketch of Apollo Bridge 2.32. Process of construction, and moving of the bridge

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Tower of Aupark - change of silhouette

Addition to the commercial – entertainment complex is 96 m high tower that changed in important and non – sensitive way the panorama of the city. Office building was realized in years 2006 – 2007, even besides negotiations and discussions there were protests against such a change of silhouette. Compromising solutions weren’t taken into consideration, which calculated with less number of floors. The Tower of Au Park was one of the first buildings, where it was shown, how strong the power of interest of developers in Bratislava can be and how “vulnerable” can be the panorama of Bratislava in comparison.

2.33. Tower of Aupark, in silhouette with castle and “New” Bridge

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2.34. Tower of Aupark next to “New” Bridge, behind south city Petrzalka

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Riverpark - new understanding of waterfront

Riverpark is the name of the new multi – functional centre in waterfront of Danube between the part of Vydrica and Culture centre PKO. Four blocks that were added to the existing ones of PKO are with its scale and composition creating “second wall”, they don’t respect the narrow space of the waterfront or castle hill and its dwellings. Actually, the dwellings that are located here e in the castle hill and had a nice view on Danube, theyy have today only a partial reflection of the glass from the new complex. wn stuThe investor had chosen for the project a well-known dio in Holland of the architect Erick van Egeraat. There are several types of services, apartments, hotel and nd recreation area with the promenade.

But these four blocks changed perception of waterark; they front on the left side as well as the tower Au park; interfered insensitively into the whole composition ion and ing the opened a new question – in which way is heading building activity in the waterfront of Danube.

2.35. Complex of Riverpark together with castle and hill

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2.36. Building of complex Riverpark constructed above the river 2.37. Riverpark during construction

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2.38. Panorama of complex Eurovea and waterfront

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Eurovea - new understanding of waterfront

Among the new commercial centers in waterfront of Danube, we can add a new complex Eurovea. But on the opposite to the Riverpark, the urban concept is more positive with human scale and mainly with connection to the element of water. As already mentioned with Riverpark, even here we can ďŹ nd apartments, services and hotel. But the complex between ween these 2 bridges is from 2/3 created by greenery and public spaces.

2.39. Evening panorama of complex Eurovea and waterfront

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2. 2. Interventions and image of the waterfront - synthesis Selection of 12 projects that were step by step changing the perception of the waterfront of Danube has definitely an influence on general image of the city. Question from the beginning of the chapter about the way where it is going the waterfront in Bratislava is still open.

Individual projects are giving positive direction when it is a complex of Eurovea or increase ambivalence – in case of highway in the south of the city. Besides horizontal and space changes in shaping of the waterfront – Winter Harbour with characteristics of two basins, the image of waterfront was significantly changing in vertical level. The composition of the castle hill on the left side as dominant was “violated” by verticals as “New” Bridge, Tower of Fiera and finally the Tower of Aupark. But while “New” Bridge and its construction created harmony in contrast – the bridge became landmark, on the other side Tower of Aupark created negative element in general image of the city.

Paul Knox wrote in his essay about globalization linked to architecture and urbanism, where he mentioned that office towers are one of the symbols of economic and cultural globalization in Europe. Middle high or skyscrapers are step by step constructed in towns or in suburbs of big European cities. Requirements for their design are those, where uniformity wins with purpose to express internationality to clients. So it became the ordinary image of Manhattan. In Bratislava there are several unidentified towers. While Tower of Aupark could be in Manhattan transparent, in waterfront of Danube it is a “thorn” in the panorama.

Individual projects and interventions have as results the fact, that identity of the waterfront is still not clear and defined.

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3 COMPETITIONS AND STUDIES

3.1. Vydrica - under castle 3.2. Project “City Interventions” 3.3. PKO Case

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3. 1. Vydrica - under the castle Vydrica is an area situated directly under the castle hill – as an extramural settlement.

For almost 40 years after the construction of the new bridge there is an area of unresolved problems, when during the construction a big part of Vydrica was demolished.

Currently there are : eight original mansions, church of the Holy Trinity, “Holy Trinity” reconstructed ruins of the complex of the Water Tower, other new buildings in streets Beblaveho, Mikulasska, Zidovska, then Castle Staircase, rock cellars and reconstructed water – supply.

Among other as addition to the demolition of the original housing because of the New Bridge, there were (built) three tower apartments houses built, but these are completely out of context and with the connection to genius loci of area. They should have been as a part of wider complex of apartments that has never been realized.

New meets Old. In 2007 the private investor announced an international competition running in two rounds with five different assignments. This division of area into five parts for conditions of competition had to underline the diversity in results. Competition was public and anonymous, so open to everyone who was interested. In conditions there wasn’t even a request for a title of the architect. Primary goal was the concept, which should be the result, and which should in adequate way solve the question what to do with this area. 21 proposals were moved into a second round. Finally from all submitted proposals nine were awarded– five of them were achieved by a team from Italy - Roberto Grio, Guendalina Salimei, Francesca Contuzzi, Elio Ravà. Besides the studios from Czech Republic, in competition there were just a few famous studios from Slovakia, even the investor was disappointed. Architect Bogar said, that absence of famous studios could have been result of missing confidence of Slovak architects in competitions in Slovak scene. Abroad, there where plenty of competitions in that year and many of them went into realizations, in Slovakia the final realization is influenced by the intentions of an investor.

The layouts for the area where divided into individual blocks and in several of them no awards for the first and second place were awarded. Following the results, a team was created that should continue on with the developing of the concept of awarded proposals. But up until today any integrated concept wasn’t presented, so Vydrica still remains an unsolved area.

Vydrica was an area between Rybne square and Water Tower. It was considered as a controversial area; and even lower social classes were living here. Dwellings, mainly with 1 or 3 floors were built in 18th century.

After the Second World War these dwellings were in emergency status, so the communist took advantage it this situation and started with slow demolition. Wider demolition had three phases – in years 1948, 1960 and 1967. Team of specialists managed to draw an original condition and made archaeological research. After this came the construction of New Bridge and this area lost its character and identity.

3.1. Old Vydrica after WWII

3.2. Current situation of Vydrica

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3 panel houses as a result of intentions to build panel housing under the castle

Archeological museum and dwelling that wasn´t destroyed

Node of intersection of New Bridge and downtown

3.3. Current situation of Vydrica

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construction of New Bridge

present situation

3.4. Vydrica during construction of “New” Bridge 3.5. Current situation of Vydrica next page 3.6. Genesis of development of area under the castle

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area under castle in medieval times

area under castle in 18. century

area under castle at the end of 19. century until mid 1950s

area under castle in process of demolition before construction of “New Bridge�

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3.7. Waterfront of Bratislava according German artist Hogenberg in 1593

3.8. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1735 3.9. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1760

3.10. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1788

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3.11. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1810

3.12. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1810

3.13. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1815

3.14. Area under castle today

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“Controversial” competition in 1942

3.15. Masterplan from competition in 1942 3.16. Perspective of ideas from competition in 1942

An international competition was announced in 1942 with the idea of reconstruction of the castle hill and the contiguous area under the castle. The ideas of architects were various, from compositions with strong dominants or symmetrical composition all the way to the ideas about demolition of the castle and creation of university town. The idea of demolition of the castle was for the first mentioned by architect Gocar in 1938 and this controversial idea had its followers even in the next international competition in 1942.

Requirements of the competition were focused on solutions of problems that are in the area even today. From the previous competition of regulation plan of Bratislava in 1929 only a tunnel going through the hill was realized, therefore the problems with infrastructure persisted.

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3.17. 3.18. 3.19. Maquettes of projects from competition in 1942

The castle with the hill has sharply deďŹ ned characteristics with steep angle that created a slim stripe of land in the part of the waterfront. One of the requirements was idea of University City solving question of compactness in area around the castle. The results of the competitions, where in some cases the demolition of the castle was proposed, brought up a variety of discussions and condemnation even in foreign media. In 1942, when the competition took place, the country had totalitarian regime, where art and architecture became instrument of power and tool for presentation of power. And the idea of new University City with dominants directly in the area of the castle was just underlining the regime. Fortunately results of such competition weren’t realized.

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Recent competitions in Vydrica 2002 and 2007

The area under the castle Vydrica was again a subject of competition in 2002. The results of this competition were rewarded with reduced prizes. The competition didn’t have a high number of participants; from 20 teams that entered the competition 5 were disqualified for not complying with the conditions. The idea was again to open the question of the area under the castle and its problems, which were not solved. Also complications for the competition started after the facts surfaced, that the city sold individual areas to various clients that led to stop for united proposal of whole area.

One of the interesting proposals is the project from architects Bogar, Kralik and Urban with the name “Park”, where through greenery and public spaces they propose the connection of the main square in downtown and the west part under the castle.

3.20. 3.21. Competition in Vydrica project by architects Matusik, Nagy

3.22. Competition in Vydrica project by architects Bogar, Kralik, Urban

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In fact, architects Bogar, Kralik and Urban were asked to design a detailed regulation plan for this zone that supposed to be a base for next competition in 2007.

Proposal of regulation plan assumes volumetric layout which should come out from original volumes in longitudinal direction along the castle. On the other side within this solution the city is more separated from the element of river and mono blocks seems to be more disturbing in area that today has different characteristics.

Competition realized in 2007 was international, where the requirement was to create united picture of the future of this zone. But today there still is a vague concept about this area.

3.23. Masterplan of Vydrica from 2007 by architects Bogar, Kralik, Urban 3.24. 3.25. 3. 26. Visualizations of project

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3.2. Project “City Interventions”

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Costa Bratislava is one of projects of general idea “City Interventions” from architects Lubica Segecova and zerozero. The project has also a different name as “Design on wheels”, where it doesn’t take the waterfront just as a promenade for pedestrian or benches. Design underlines the bicycle line, creates the idea of continuity through use of the waterfront during all four seasons with different functions. As authors wrote: “A powerful aspect of the proposal is the active inter-connection between both banks of the Danube River. The promenade runs next to both bridges at a height assuring conflict free co-existence with the shipping transport towards the other bank and creates a continual ring – a never-ending country – the missing link between both banks of the Danube River. An inter-connection that is linking Staré mesto with Bratislava’s Petržalka and with the Sad Janka Kráľa. At the same time, this clear gesture ensures coherency of the solution and eliminates the sense of frustration invoked by the “beach end”.

3.27. Masterplan of project Costa Bratislava

Costa Bratislava

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Study - Green Bridge Green Bridge – Architects from studio FoRM Associates London choose for an intervention an area of the “Old” Bridge in Bratislava. It is the oldest bridge in the city, currently closed with question of reconstruction. It is the connection point, but in reality it’s not. Proposal from the architects opens a discussion, where the facts are underlined that “bridges don’t connect Bratislava and its citizens. On the contrary, they divided them.” Green Bridge has the idea of connection of parts of the city through the greenery that could create interesting environment for people and at the same time connect the city with the park Sad Janka Krala.

3.28. Masterplan of project Green Bridge 3.29. 3.30. Visualizations of the project

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Study - Rendezvous on the Jetty

Rendezvous on the Jetty – is a project of continual promenade by the studio re:mix in the northern part of the waterfront with the connection to an artificial beach on Petrzalka´s side next to the Park Sad Janka Krala. Project is focused on important points of intersections or views, divides the area into several small public spaces – 5 sectors with different functions that should activate the area – music, art, camp, theatre and pier.

3.31. Visualization 3.32. Masterplan of the project 3.33. Visualization

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3.3. PKO case 3.34. PKO inside

PKO case can be the name for current situation, where besides different interests of investors, city council, inhabitants, care of historical monuments, in the middle of this case are buildings of PKO – Park of culture and relax.

The case of PKO is representing unsolved questions of the left bank of the river next to the new complex Riverpark. Cultural centum, which is today in disrepair, is the successor of the original and famous Dunajske trhy – Danube markets. This close complex of buildings has legal problems about inscription on the list of cultural heritage. Among other things here are linked different interests from several groups for example investors, city council, inhabitants, conservationists historical monuments and in the middle of all these things is PKO – Culture and Leisure Park.

According to experts they have historical value and should be conserved or at least renewed to keep the cultural continuity and identity. For inhabitants, this place has meaning, which is related to amount of events, concerts, cultural atmosphere and so on, so PKO is important landmark and identifying point for them. Unfortunately, former city council sold the land under the PKO building to developer; however property of PKO remained in the hands of the city. Intentions of developer are to build new commercial centre, similar to the blocks of Riverpark. New city council described the contract for the real estate - lands as invalid and the whole case is going to court. According to the latest news, the city council decided that buildings of PKO will remain.

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1990 Plan Among studies focused on the waterfront of Danube, a complex of architectural – urban studies was created in 1990 by architects Kavan, Trnkus, Curna. It was actually one of the analyses about both part of the waterfront together. The objective was to make research and marked main nodes in the waterfront. These nodes are important connections between two parts of city – Square Safarikovo, L. Stura square, “New” Bridge and its connection to Petrzalka. The vision of the project was to extend the promenade until the Botanic Garden in west part of the city. Important part of the proposal was valorization of space, landmarks and views.

Significant polarity is in the waterfront in natural elements vs. artificial elements. On one side there are bio- corridors of flooded woods, on the other side building – upper area of the city. The polarity is in contrast with vertical castle hill and plane of Petrzalka. These factors increase the potential of the area.

The polarity is in contrast with the verticality of the castle hill and the flatness of Petrzalka.

3.35. Masterplan from 1990

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4 ANALYSES

4.1. City - Functional scheme 4.2. Urban transport + connection to Vienna 4.3. Infrastructure 4.4. By bicycle in the city 4.5. Green 4.6. Services for city 4.7. Morfology

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5 THEME - OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

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Theme of the embankment project of the Danube in Bratislava is the solution of continuity through the embankment of the river. The aim is to highlight the problem of this area in the overall view on both sides. From many projects, competition that were previously dealing with this, were mostly partial, incremental, focusing on some nodes, such as spaces as Podhradie or Winter port. The essence of the project is continuity throughout the length of the waterfront in the city.

The aims or goal of the project is to evaluate the potential of possible node connections, diversity in different parts of the waterfront. Bratislava is characterized by a diversity of quay, that need to be underlined in the solutions. Among the important objectives of the project are analysis of the area from historical including the development of the city and its relationship toward the river Danube all the way to the analyses of current problems of the territory. Competition analysis and solutions were realized within the territory and their appreciation.

Included between important interventions are analyses, where 12 selected projects dramatically changed the character of the area. This diversity is the one that is in the following chapter is highlighting the diversity of the area and its specific nature.

In the interests of the embankment of the Danube in Bratislava, some different groups are meeting: from the municipality through architects, urban planners, specialists, conservationists monuments, greenery, developers, active citizens all the way to the students of the Faculty of Architecture. Despite a general appreciation that water is an important element and Bratislava is absent in relation towards the water, the waterfront remains an unsolved territory. Each year it is a subject to only partial awards of studio work at the university.

The aim is to highlight the fact that there is a lack of overall concept of waterfront, which would be a separate chapter in the context of the planning of the city.

Different interests of different groups are causing chaos, whose consequences are reflected in the construction of controversial works, such as tower in Aupark or controversial multi- functional center Riverpark or totally unresolved buildings and premises as Vydrica or Winter port.

To this total chaos it contributes also the total lack of concept of greenery in various forms from floodplain forests to monotonous solutions in a front of the National Gallery. Danube embankment has an enormous potential, many “undiscovered” spaces and links; technical monuments included in the list of heritage, diversity areas.

It is therefore important to link the two parts of the city - Bratislava and Petržalka. It is a well-known fact that southern city has its own world, from the beginning, when construction of block houses has significantly changed the character that is the opposite of the historic center.

The link is represented by 5 bridges, southern city is on top of that separated the highway that creates an isolated strip, where except for the Sad Janka Krala, and the concept is unclear. Petržalka is considered as a “concrete” neighborhood, in the past this was a space for relax and recreation.

The aim of the project is to underline the genius loci, where the so called “green boom” will be the side of Petržalka´s quay continuously from riparian forests by creating and linking green spaces.

Conversely the northern part of the embankment will be urbanized with fewer interventions with an emphasis on connecting nodes.

The aim is to show the genius loci of the territory. Previously Petržalka performed function as a recreational area, there was situated a natural swimming pool, the goal is to restore this feature of this space. Between important objectives includes continuity. As the Danube flows through the city, the facts are that different city areas are isolated for the pedestrians or for cyclists.

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Important objectives of the project are: 1. Preserve the integrity of cultural and tangible heritage as the castle and castle hill together the remains of previous buildings from Vydrica. The aim is to open the question of future development referring to still unsolved concept of identity of the city.

2. Besides the conservation of the heritage create an alternative for requalification and recuperation of spaces like Winter Harbor. Creation of new centre with the connection to the historical downtown.

3. Requalification of areas with function in waterfront area, pedestrian and bicycle lines and to design interventions that would create a continuous environment.

4. Continuity within the area of south city starting with the requaliďŹ cation of areal of Fiera, improvements through landscaping approaches and proposal of green stripe along the waterfront as harmonic contradiction toward the north city.

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6 DIVERSITY OF WATERFRONT INTRODUCTION INTO THE PROJECT

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Waterfront with recreation character next to the bridge Lafranconi

Zone is characterized by green areas and also with new housing complex in part of Karloveske rameno, where public spaces underline connection to the river.

There is situated already mentioned shipyard – Club Tatran, that is subscribed on the list of national heritage No. NKP 11543/0.

6.1. Waterfront in left side, characteristic with boats and recreation

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Waterfront of L. Svobodu, considering the complex of dormitory, PKO and Riverpark

In this area next to the typical block of houses - dormitory Lafranconi or PKO – Park of culture and relax, just recently a complex of “blocks” of Riverpark were added.

Exceeding several times not just the scale of the area that is characterizing the place of the waterfront.

Complex that is with its composition not following brought new public spaces and green areas that we can mark as “in style of fulfillments of minimal requirements.” Paradoxically the well known motto of this complex “enjoy the river”, we can perhaps add it more or less to the PKO with its neglected greenery, but with undeniably more quality and human scale and public space connected to the water. Up to recent times when the tram that is coming out from tunnel next to the memorial Chatam Sofer was visually offering contact to the river, new “blocks” pushed this contact completely out. Exactly this part of the waterfront is characterized among other with another significant natural element next to river – castle hill, where the main principle in composition should be respected as it is in the case of PKO.

6.2. Waterfront with mono blocks under the hill

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Waterfront under the castle

Construction of the New Bridge brought among another picture of the city also up to date unsettled new public space. Within this traffic hub there are bus stops, parking places. The area is basically in the centre, where it is in axis linked to Hviezdoslavovo square, or in line with the waterfront of L. Svobodu. Recently a project from the series of “City Interventions” was realized, where asphalt was painted in green color as funny and fresh solution.

Despite this there is a new green stripe within the promenade along Danube, very frequent part of the city that is representing a monotone solution with alley of trees and urban playgrounds.

6.3. Waterfront under the castle

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Waterfront between the New Bridge and “Old” Bridge

Part of the waterfront is partially representing a revitalized area with new greenery in the front of hotel Danube and SNG – Slovak National Gallery (unfortunately not using the potential of this open atrium building or the potential of building of Propeler). There is renewed park in front of Slovak National Museum, but continuity is interfering with the parking lots situated directly in part of waterfront next to Old Harbor.

6.4. Waterfront between the bridges

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Waterfront next to complex Eurovea New complex was designed to reconnect the area with natural element – water. New promenade with green areas and a pier creates pleasant environment with adequate scale.

6.5. Waterfront next to Eurovea

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Waterfront of Winter Harbour

6.6. Waterfront in Winter Harbour

Area that is traditionally an object of urban studies in Faculty of architecture, today it doesn’t achieve the importance from the past. Nevertheless historical values, found in technical buildings like House of Sailors, are important for keeping the image of industrial Bratislava.

Several cities in Europe like Hamburg with new district Hafen City, transformed their harbors into interesting complexes, where they kept historical values and atmosphere of industrial zone. In General City Plan of Bratislava is area marked as “areas of water transport�, but there are ideas of transformation and continuity in composition line from historical centre.

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Waterfront towards PKO and next to FIERA Green areas next to New Bridge and Incheba Fiera doesn’t have clear concept that can be related to the Park – Sad Janka Krala, or related to the wooded flooded area. Bio – corridor and flooded woods are in 4th Quadrant of Bratislava, and they are in the interest of the project CUPA – cooperative urban planning approaches, where in cooperation with municipality of Vienna and others there are ideas about the functional use of this area. In this area there is also another shipyard that is underlining one of the features of waterfront.

6.7. Flooded wood in right side

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Waterfront with Park - Sad Janka Krala

6.8. Park Sad Janka Krala

One of the oldest parks in the middle Europe can be labeled as the “Central Park” of Bratislava. It brings recreation in variety of functions, it is a space for cultural events, sport, it highlights the idea of public space. Nevertheless of many qualities of this place, park between two bridges remained “closed” what was a loss for further development.

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Waterfront between the “Old” Bridge and Apollo Bridge

In the past there was a well – known swimming pool Lido situated that together with surroundings was a place for sport and recreation like a counterpoint to urban city districts. Today General City Plan counts with buildings and new functional use.

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synthesis All of these parts of the waterfront have its own characteristic, the problem is in their connection and different level of quality of public spaces and greenery.

General Plan of Bratislava labeled most of the parts of the waterfront as areas for development and future buildings. There is absence of individual concept of the waterfront that could underline continuity how it is for example in the plan in Madrid. In waterfront of Bratislava there is absence of concept that could connect two embankments, one “urban”, second “natural”.

I think that in left part of the waterfront, it could possibly start next to Karloveske rameno – bridge Lafranconi up to exposed basin of Winter Harbour with the length of 5,5km. on the right part of the waterfront it could be connected through flooded woods on the opposite side of PKO, up to the area between the bridges Apollo and Pristavny Bridge with the length of 4,5km.

6.9. Aero photo of right side waterfront

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7 PROJECT OF WATERFRONT IN BRATIS"VA RIVER AS A DOUBLE HUG 7.1. References 7.2. Function - Relations - Morfology 7.3. Masterplan

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De Levante Park–Murcia, Spain, 2011

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Studio from New York – K/R architects introduced lately project of park De Levante that is along the river Segura in Spanish city of Murcia. 400 000 m2 of greenery brought new revival into the area neighboring with the historic centre. Main idea was to create park – museum, where authors put emphasis on bio – diversity and sustainable development. Within the proposal there is an area of 45 000m2 as a campus for new museum of art, where architects try to create an open museum, focusing on relation of art and culture. Authors worked with natural element, what is one of the reasons, why I chose this project as a reference. Actually bio – diversity is the main feature of flooded woods in right riverside of Danube in Bratislava, it is an important natural element, and also can bring revival as a contrast to historical centre on the left riverside. According to the proposal 1,900 m long promenade next to the river Segura will connect east and west side, continuity of space was fulfilled with new bridge that is also offering various views. Proposed new museums of art, design and environment will cover artists, their exhibitions and those who work with natural elements.

Besides museum, the proposal brings various other functions along riverside – focusing on presentation of agriculture and food or other events. Similarly in waterfront of Bratislava there is Tyrsovo square on Petržalka´ s side for concerts or events.

previous page 7.1. Perspective, Park Levante 7.2. Masterplan 7.3. Visualization

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Madrid – Rio, project 2010 In 70s, a motorway was built and that basically cut the city from the river that flows through Madrid and new motorway divided Madrid into two parts. The same situation we perceive in Bratislava and its infrastructure. Such a separation – city and water is therefore significant for several cities. Actually the project Madrid – Rio was the connecting element, lasting for eight years, until the city was again reconnected.

The design of new waterfront of Madrid is coming from studio WEST 8 in collaboration with architects from Madrid and brings continuity to public spaces along both riversides. Idea was create to basic scheme that should serve for other developing projects. Diverse squares, promenades and parks with bridges should emphasis the connection and bring revival to the city districts next to the river. Project was realized after previous decision of the mayor of Madrid when 43 km long motorway was placed underground and that opened the promenade and space next to water. On the basis of results from the competition, the winning team was WEST 8 studio mentioned earlier. The idea was 3 + 30, where an area of almost 80ha was divided into a trilogy of strategic projects and base for further development.

Salon de Pinos is representing a linear green stripe situated above the tunnel. Carefully chosen green for such a conditions, also characterized Spanish nature, the result of the whole concept is an almost natural sculptural character of the space – like botanical garden.

Park de la Arganzuela where its main idea is water, specifically in interpretation of vanished Spanish streams in this area through various greenery and its diversity.

7.4. Section of waterfront 7.5. Promenade next to the river with bicycle line next page 7.6. Masterplan 7.7. Realization, various types of greenery

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Vienna and its waterfront, 2003 Project of waterfront in Vienna is part of wider General City Plan. As well as in Bratislava, Danube river is crossing the city of Vienna very close to the historical centre.

Project is interesting mainly for the concept of diversity, where architects considered the potential of both riversides and according to the diversity they developed various public spaces. Also the project is bringing continuity and connection that was absent before.

“Waltz on Danube” is the name that is connected to Vienna. Similar like in Bratislava the history of Vienna is associated with floods and changing shape of Danube.

During the reining of the Emperor Franz Joseph Vienna became the “city on Danube”. Structures that emerged along waterfront had various characters from recreation or city life or empty voids. Right side of the river Danube is representing a spaces and barriers in a form of infrastructure that created deflection from water. The same scenario is in Bratislava, where highway D2 in Petržalka or motorway under castle hill. Right side of the river in Vienna because of this barrier is used very little. It is one of the targets in project of waterfront in Vienna, where there are counting on new subway stations and new functions, where tourism and recreation will connect the citizens of the city. The planning was focused on revival of the right riverside, elimination or mitigation of barriers with the connection to the historical city. Interesting is also a fact that brings solutions in many levels – technical equipments, connection to historical centre, typology of various public spaces, grid of activities, nodes for bicycle and pedestrian ways, connection of U and S – SUBWAY. For development of such a project it is also important the coordination of interests of private groups and investors, what is a problem in Bratislava.

7.8. Concept of waterfront 7.9. Example of intervention 7.10. Overview of Vienna

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Requalification of public spaces Jesolo, Italy,2010 Project is a demonstration, how transformation of urban spaces into public spaces with a variety of functions can bring new qualities. It is a small project in comparison with Urban Plan of Waterfront in Madrid or in Vienna, but the outcome is also waterfront, which became catalyst of the space. A series of interventions, which had a task to transform the space, brought various activities, from commercial, apartments and rational system of market that is taking place every week. Three different sections– space around church, riverside part SILA, and Kennedy square were connected with one project despite their diversity.

7.11 Concept of the project 7.12. Masterplan

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Oslo – waterfront project Design, complete strategy for the development of waterfront in Oslo was adopted by the city council in 2000. Even though there were partial studies for the development and renewal of some parts, the city decided for more efficient and unique strategy. The concept is based on connection between historical centre with fjord, through spaces designed for living and recreation, using the important natural element which is the fjord and at the same time is the identifying factor of Norwegian waterfront. Here is the parallel with Bratislava, where flooded forested area along the Danube river is also one of the features of southern Slovakia.

One of the main objectives of the project is the transformation of infrastructure with harbor spaces and ex – industrial zones. Institute for Planning – OSLO WATERFRONT PLANNING OFFICE was covering the function of these spaces and its transformation into modern districts.

Their objective is: „We are thinking in an overall vision.

We want to open up the waterfront areas for recreational, cultural, residential, and commercial use, will emphasis on public access, public and private transport and sustainable development. In size, these areas are comparable to projects in Hamburg in Germany, Gothenburg and Stockholm in Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark. Some of the waterfront areas are unique with their proximity to the City Centre and to the main infrastructural provisions. “ Project with its scale exceeds the waterfront in Bratislava, but the matter is the idea of an overall approach, which can be the base for small projects and underlines the connection with natural elements.

7.13. Concept of the project 7.14. Masterplan

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Cracow – Vistula waterfront, Poland

Creation Project – was one day event focused on to get acquainted with the work of architects more towards the wide public. Group of young architects was given a task in the front of the audience the project of the waterfront of river Vistula in Cracow. Among other tasks the main evaluation was the idea of the necessity of main strategy for the waterfront with drafts of basic characteristic of the waterfront before the design of further and detailed projects. Between all the important ideas there was also a question toward the river within the city and the problems of its waterfronts. River Vistula just like the river Danube in Bratislava has two different parts of the waterfront, one natural, but neglected. On the other side there is “concrete” part of the waterfront, not developed enough with the potential of future space for the citizens of the city.

Ideas of architects were focused on to create quality public spaces with minimal intervention into natural environment and underlined the full development of areas next to the waterfront that were already developed and urbanized. Subsequently the chosen design represented recycled materials, piers, connections, functions for recreation and relax, leisure time. The idea for the natural part of the waterfront was to support its character through agriculture.

7.15. 7.16. 7. 17. Concept of the project

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7.2. Function - Relations - Morphology „The waterfront of Bratislava is in long term neglected space that is calling for actual revival.” The project River as a double hug is introducing the idea of river, element of water that connects two sides of the city. Northern city – downtown represents historic centre with continuous development, urbanized with public spaces that aren’t well connected. Southern City – Petrzalka is usually labeled as panel city without any clear concept of spaces. The river Danube seems to be dividing element.

The project is focused on creation, renewal of spaces, with emphasis on nodes, which could connect city into one union and the river becomes the part of it. In function, the waterfront is divided into “natural” introducing green stripe in the part of Petrzalka with emphasis on connection of greenery of flooded woods through Park Sad Janka Krala along the line of the waterfront. Project could possibly continue in genius loci of the space, where in the past Petrzalka had recreation function.

In opposite, the northern part of the city is designed as a space of small interventions, which could reach the connection from the first bridge up to the last one.

The relations are reflected into continuity of individual waterfront parts and at the same time solutions of nodes next to the bridges. The idea is to bring the waterfront to the people of Bratislava, underline the important landmark that is water, through pedestrian ways, continuous bicycle lines and creation of public spaces, where citizens could have contact with water.

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new construction to connect square of downtown wih paths going under the castle

Idea of opening the square to the river through revitalization building of Propeler ( which used to be connection between north and south part of city through boats extension of Park Sad Janka Krala Idea follows original one about spreading Park along the waterfront, but construction of New Bridge stopped it. green stripes between parts of Fiera

Idea of open public spaces among exhibition space together with green follows ďŹ rst proposal of architect Dedecek about Expo that wasn´t realized

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Conceptual scheme

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Scheme of green

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Scheme of new transportation - tram

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Scheme of bicycle line

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Scheme of proposal demolition for project

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Scheme of new volumes of buildings

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8 CONCLUSION

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Bratislava is visible and invisible in the same time. On one side it is the capital city, intersection of infrastructure and connection with European Union, on the other side there is sense of unclear definition of its characteristics while you are in its streets through human scale. City is visible, when we connect the identification elements like water on the river, castle or “New” Bridge. On the other side it is invisible, when high anti flooding concrete wall covers the presence of water during the walk along the waterfront.

There are several types of borders and supposedly most of them are created by us. The borders within the cities are “city making” elements according to Kevin Lynch and they can have positive or negative characteristics. The borders of the city we can observe in roads, railways, rivers. At the moment today Danube divides the city into 2 parts and with this it underlines the already mentioned idea of ambivalence by Illah van Oijen.

I’ve got interested in an idea of the project “City Interventions” where through small interventions revive the city, to give better qualities to the city. Why not “intervene” in the case of the waterfront? I think, that there is possibility to create various public spaces, giving a new lease of life to already existing spaces – brown fields, revaluate green areas – but the important thing is their interconnection that could achieve the continuity.

The idea is about interventions in relation to the historic context, where in addition to the continuity in level of spaces and cultural identity could be accomplished; to change both sides of the waterfront of Danube back to the zone for people, where people could identify themselves.

I think the identity of Bratislava is like a “teenager” that is shaped step by step, needs “models”, time and right direction. The concept of continual waterfront, which is on one side divided and on the other side interestingly diversified, it could bring clearer idea about identity of the city, since it is a part of it.

I’m basically optimist so to answer the dilemma mentioned in introduction of this work I’m choosing the option No. 2.

How gorgeous this city could be!

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Bibliography Books and newspapers: AD The New Europe, newspaper, London, May/June 2006 ARCH, newspaper, Bratislava, Slovakia, 03/07 AU Arquitetura e urbanismo, Ano 24, No. 188, Barcelona, November 2009 Bratislava SME, newspaper, Bratislava, Slovakia, 7.10.2011 Carmona M., Heath T., Oc T., Tiesdell S.: Public spaces, Urban spaces, The dimensions of Urban Design, Architectural Press, 2003, Oxford, ISBN 0 7506 36327 Čomaj, J.: Petržalka Engerau – Ligetfalu, Vydavateľstvo PT, Bratislava, 2008 Dulla, M., Moravčíková, H.: Architektúra Slovenska v 20.storočí, Slovart, 2002 FA STU Nabrezie Dunaja v Bratislave, Katalog bakalarskych studentskych prac 2008/2009 Jakušová, M.: Eurovea a Digital Park II – Urbanistické riešenie a verejné priestory, URBION, 3/2011 Oijen, I.: Bratislava – mesto na mieru, Urban landscapes of Bratislava, Slovart, 2007 Pojtek, V.: Buduce univerzitne mesto v Bratislave, Elan 12, May 1942, no.9 Projekt 1/88, newspaper Bratislava Salner, Peter : Premeny Bratislavy 1939 – 1993, Etnologické aspekty sociálnych procesov v mestskom prostredí, Veda Vydavateľstvo Slovenskej akadémie vied, Bratislava, 1998 Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992 Slovensky stavitel 12, 1942, newspaper, Bratislava, pages 281 - 294 Stavba, newspaper, Bratislava, year 9, no. 4(December 1930), pages 53 – 60 The City of Oslo: Urban development, March 2006 Vodrazka, P.: Bratislava – Podhradie, Vydrica, Zuckermandel, Tri veziaky, presentation in phd. Program webpages: http://www.archdaily.com/133512/park-of-levante-master-plan-kr-architects/ http://architectr.com/park-of-levante-master-plan-kr-architects/ www.bratislava.sk http://www.bratislava.sk/MsZ/Archiv/MsZ_10_07_01/Bod_09/4-Navrh-VZN-UPNZaD02.pdf http://blog.sme.sk/blog/2364/112555/22.jpg http://www.citylife.sk/sites/default/files/miesta/loga/dsc09910.jpg http://www.discusmedia.com/pictures/maps/000/00/m/0004506m.jpg http://www.eastsidewaterfrontpark.org/ http://europaconcorsi.com/results/148131-Riqualificazione-spazi-pubblici-da-piazza-della-Repubblica-a-piazza1-Maggio-Jesolo http://www.europenethotels.com/photo-galleries/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/bratislava3.jpg http://img.flog.pravda.sk/2009/07/22/w3Y_243424_m.jpg http://img.ihned.cz/attachment.php/345/20916345/wtqgWfacN4VuHMQiEDjOlnPSIkhy7B0m/riverpark_v.jpg http://glr.nikolagerfeld.com/albums/Damian/DS000116_004717.sized.jp 154

http://lh3.ggpht.com/fGK83Gp2GHw/S9ijqZ66utE/AAAAAAAAfQ/vQbEGdYmjqI/EuroveaBratislavaSKBA.jpg http://www.lodenicakkkv.sk/fotogaleria.html http://mapsof.net/map/map-of-europe-with-capitals http://www.mestskezasahy.sk http://www.most.pokorny.sk/02_floating/foto_v/166.jpg http://photo.vivo.sk/jpeg/5466/258285/_n/a955d64/River-Park-Bratislava http://podhradie.fara.sk/system/files/001.jpg http://www.rondel.sk http://www.sad-janka-krala.sk http://www.sme.sk/cdata/3990456/a0b79819bebb38c03b09f86211c37fd7.jpg http://static.hudba.zoznam.sk/obrazky/news/16/3016/3888_big.jpg http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/1636741.jpg http://www.visiteurope.com/VisitEurope/files/81/81b9709c-f03f-4175-8d59-86f324e27dc7.jpg jpg/800px-Pressburg_city_plan_1438-55.jpg http://www.vydrica.com/index.php?id=uzemny_plan_zony_podhradie http://west8.nl/projects/madrid_rio/) http://www.zelenak-art.sk/slovensky_apollo.htm

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Index of images 1.1. Air photo of Bratislava from plane (source: author) 1.2. View from UFO in top of “New” Bridge (source: http://www.europenethotels.com/photo-galleries/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/bratislava3.jpg) 1.3. Logo of Slovakia (source: http://www.visiteurope.com/VisitEurope/files/81/81b9709c-f03f-4175-8d5986f324e27dc7.jpg) 1.4. Geography of Slovakia (source: http://mapsof.net/map/map-of-europe-with-capitals) 1.5. Historical map of Bratislava from 15. Century (source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ a0/Pressburg_city_plan_1438-55.jpg/800px-Pressburg_city_plan_1438-55.jpg) 1.6. Concept of the project (source: author) 1.7. Regulation plan by architects Grossman and Balaz (source: Dulla, M., Moravčíková, H.: Architektúra Slovenska v 20.storočí, Slovart, 2002) 1.8. Regulation plan by architects Akay and Forbath (source: Dulla, M., Moravčíková, H.: Architektúra Slovenska v 20.storočí, Slovart, 2002) 1.9. Winning regulation plan by architects Tvarozek, Dryak, Chlumecky (source: Dulla, M., Moravčíková, H.: Architektúra Slovenska v 20.storočí, Slovart, 2002) 1.10. View from top of “New” Bridge towards south city Petrzalka (source: author) 1.11. Lido – natural swimming pool in Petrzalka (source: http://www.rondel.sk) 1.12. Chorvatske rameno –centre of Petrzalka (source: author) 2.1. Historical view of Bratislava (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 2.2. Historical map of Bratislava 1895(source: Čomaj, J.: Petržalka Engerau – Ligetfalu, Vydavateľstvo PT, Bratislava, 2008) 2.3. Historical map of Bratislava 1438-55 (source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Pressburg_city_plan_1438-55.jpg/800px-Pressburg_city_plan_1438-55.jpg) 2.4. Downtown, one of the entrances (source: author) 2.5. View from “New” Bridge towards downtown (source: author) 2.6. Historical map of Bratislava 1905 (source: http://www.discusmedia.com/pictures/maps/000/00/m/0004506m.jpg) 2.7. View from “New” Bridge (source: author) 2.8. Historical map of Park Sad Janka Krala before reconstruction in 70s (source: http://www.sad-janka-krala.sk) 2.9. Green in Park Sad Janka Krala (source: www.wikipedia.sk) 2.10. Historical map of Park (source: http://www.sad-janka-krala.sk) 2.11. View from Petrzalka side towards downtown (source: author) 2.12. Cranes in Winter Harbour (source: author) 2.13. Air photo (source: http://glr.nikolagerfeld.com/albums/Damian/DS000116_004717.sized.jpg) 2.14. Current situation in Winter Harbour (source: author) 2.15. Railways in Winter Harbour (source: author) 2.16. View of south city Petrzalka (source: author) 2.17. House of sailors (source: author) 2.18. Second basin in WInter Harbour (source: author) 2.19. Shipyard current situation (http://www.sme.sk/cdata/3990456/a0b79819bebb38c03b09f86211c37fd7.jpg) 156

2.20. Historical photo of shipyard from beginning of 20.century (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 2.21. Atmosphere in PKO centre (source: http://static.hudba.zoznam.sk/obrazky/news/16/3016/3888_big.jpg) 2.22. Pylon of “New” Bridge (source: author) 2.23. View from the top of the “New” Bridge (source: author) 2.24. Historical air photo of castle and downtown (source: http://podhradie.fara.sk/system/files/001.jpg) 2.25. Construction of “New” Bridge (source: author) 2.26. Tower of Fiera (source: http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incheba) 2.27. Expo arena in Fiera (source: http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incheba) 2.28. Tower of Incheba Fiera (source: http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incheba) 2.29. View of D2 highway (source: http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/D2_(diaľnica_na_Slovensku) 2.30. View of D2 highway, on left side south city Petrzalka (source: http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/D2_(diaľnica_na_Slovensku) 2.31. Sketch of Apollo Bridge (source: http://www.zelenak-art.sk/slovensky_apollo.htm) 2.32. Process of construction, and moving of the bridge (source: http://www.most.pokorny.sk/02_floating/foto_v/166.jpg) 2.33. Tower of Aupark, in silhouette with castle and “New” Bridge (source: http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aupark_Tower) 2.34. Tower of Aupark next to “New” Bridge, behind south city Petrzalka (source: http://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aupark_Tower) 2.35. Complex of Riverpark together with castle and hill (source: http://photo.vivo.sk/jpeg/5466/258285/_n/a955d64/ River-Park-Bratislava) 2.36. Building of complex Riverpark constructed above the river (source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/River_Park_sunset.jpg) 2.37. RIverpark during construction (source: author) 2.38. Panorama of complex Eurovea and waterfront (source: author) 2.39. Evening panorama of complex Eurovea and waterfront (source: author) 3.1. Old Vydrica after WWII (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 3.2. Current situation of Vydrica (source: author) 3.3. Current situation of Vydrica (source: author) 3.4. Vydrica during construction of “New” Bridge (source: http://www.rondel.sk) 3.5. Current situation of Vydrica (source: author) 3.6. Genesis of development of area under the castle (source: presentation of prof. Vodrazka) 3.7. Waterfront of Bratislava according German artist Hogenberg in 1593 (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 3.8. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1735 (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 3.9. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1760 (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 3.10. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1788 (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 3.11. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1810 (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 3.12. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1810 (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 3.13. Waterfront of Bratislava in 1815 (source: Sasky, L: Bratislava, mesto na Dunaji, Bratislava, Smena, 1992) 157

3.14. Area under castle today (source: author) 3.15. Masterplan from competition in 1942 (source: Pojtek, V.: Budúce univerzitné mesto v Bratislave, Elán 12, May 1942, no.9) 3.16. Perspective of ideas from competition in 1942 (source: Pojtek, V.: Budúce univerzitné mesto v Bratislave, Elán 12, May 1942, no.9) 3.17. 3.18. 3.19. Maquettes of projects from competition in 1942 (source: Pojtek, V.: Budúce univerzitné mesto v Bratislave, Elán 12, May 1942, no.9) 3.20. 3.21. Competition in Vydrica project by architects Matusik, Nagy (source: presentation of prof. Vodrazka) 3.22. Competition in Vydrica project by Bogar, Kralik, Urban (source: presentation of prof. Vodrazka) 3.23. Masterplan of Vydrica from 2007 by architects Bogar, Kralik, Urban (source: municipality of city Bratislava) 3.24. 3.25. 3. 26. Visualizations of project (source: municipality of city Bratislava) 3.27. Masterplan of project Costa Bratislava (source: http://www.mestskezasahy.sk) 3.28. Masterplan of project Green Bridge (source: http://www.mestskezasahy.sk) 3.29. 3.30. Visualizations of the project (source: http://www.mestskezasahy.sk) 3.31. Visualization (source: http://www.mestskezasahy.sk) 3.32. Masterplan of the project (source: http://www.mestskezasahy.sk) 3.33. Visualization (source: http://www.mestskezasahy.sk) 3.34. PKO (source: http://i.sme.sk/cdata/3/61/6158343/IMG_2755-820.jpg) 3.35. Masterplan 1990 (source: FA STU, Nábrežie Dunaja v Bratislave, Katalóg bakalárskych študentských prác 2008/09 6.1. Waterfront in left side, characteristic with boats and recreation (source: http://img.flog.pravda.sk/2009/07/22/ w3Y_243424_m.jpg) 6.2. Waterfront with mono blocks under the hill (source: http://img.ihned.cz/attachment.php/345/20916345/wtqgWfacN4VuHMQiEDjOlnPSIkhy7B0m/riverpark_v.jpg) 6.3. Waterfront under the castle (source: author) 6.4. Waterfront between the bridges (source: author) 6.5. Waterfront next to Eurovea (source:http://lh3.ggpht.com/fGK83Gp2GHw/S9ijqZ66utE/AAAAAAAAfQ/vQbEGdYmjqI/EuroveaBratislavaSKBA.jpg) 6.6. Waterfront in Winter Harbour (source: http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/1636741.jpg) 6.7. Flooded wood in right side (source: http://blog.sme.sk/blog/2364/112555/22.jpg) 6.8. Park Sad Janka Krala (source: http://www.citylife.sk/sites/default/files/miesta/loga/dsc09910.jpg) 6.9. Aero photo of right side waterfront (source: municipality of Bratislava) 7.1. Perspective, Park Levante (source: http://architectr.com/park-of-levante-master-plan-kr-architects/) 7.2. Masterplan (source: http://www.archdaily.com/133512/park-of-levante-master-plan-kr-architects/) 7.3. Visualization (source: http://www.archdaily.com/133512/park-of-levante-master-plan-kr-architects/) 7.4. Section of waterfront (source: http://west8.nl/projects/madrid_rio/) 7.5. Promenade next to the river with bicycle line (source: http://west8.nl/projects/madrid_rio/) 7.6. Masterplan (source: http://west8.nl/projects/madrid_rio/) 158

7.7. Realization, various type of greenery (source: http://west8.nl/projects/madrid_rio/) 7.8. Concept of waterfront (source: Magistrat der Stadt Wien / Ma 21a/ Mag. Peter Klopf) 7.9. Example of intervention (source: Magistrat der Stadt Wien / Ma 21a/ Mag. Peter Klopf) 7.10. Overview of Vienna (source: Magistrat der Stadt Wien / Ma 21a/ Mag. Peter Klopf) 7.11. Concept of the project (source: http://europaconcorsi.com/results/148131-RiqualiďŹ cazione-spazi-pubblici-dapiazza-della-Repubblica-a-piazza-1-Maggio-Jesolo) 7.12. Masterplan (source: http://europaconcorsi.com/results/148131-RiqualiďŹ cazione-spazi-pubblici-da-piazzadella-Repubblica-a-piazza-1-Maggio-Jesolo) 7.13. Concept of the project (The City of Oslo: Urban development, March 2006) 7.14. Masterplan (The City of Oslo: Urban development, March 2006) 7.15. 7.16. 7. 17. Concept of the project (source: pages - 3, 7, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 33, 34, 35, 62, 63, 65, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 95, 97, 118, 119, 120, 121, 124, 125, 126, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 137, 138 - schemes, sketches made by author

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Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank to Prof. ssa Corinna Morandi for the care with which she leaded me from my first steps to final level in Politecnico.

Thank You for having opportunity to work with You, for believing in me and exploring field of architecture and urbanism.

I would like to thank to my friends and colleagues that I have met in this city, specially Nicola, Fabrizia, Lucia and Zuzana for making my study and life here a great experience. Particular I thank to my long standing friend Andrej who always stood by my side.

Finally my thanks belong to my parents and brother who have encouraged me to choose to be an architect and to find own way. They have faith in me, supported me, taught me and love me. To them I dedicate this thesis.

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