ONDŘEJ BLÁHA
Studies
Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design in Prague
(UMPRUM)
Winter Semester 2024/2025
UMlab Studio (U/U Studio, Martin Hrouda, Jiří Kotal)
Winter Semester, Summer Semester 2023/2024
A1 Studio (Jan Šépka, Miroslava Gulbisová)
2017-2023
Jan Neruda Gymnasium
Language proficiency
EN C2
DE B2
IT
AutoCAD
Rhinoceros
SketchUp
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe InDesign
Adobe After Effects
Lumion
V-Ray
Microsoft Office
Email
ULRICH SQUAREWS 2024/2025
The initial form of the Ulrich Square was designed by Josef Gočár. The original design is strict and there are conducted two main axes of symmetry - axis of the Gočár street and axis led through the middle of the square, from the entrance of Stein Palace to the entrance of Directorate of State Railways.
During the era of communism was the pavement of the surface of the square changed to granite. In the new two-colored pavement was also created a grid that was leading to statue of K. Gottwald (former president from the era of communism). This grid disrupted the street axis and therefore the perception of the square.
I respect both of these layers from the history and I design a system of paths that come from these layers. Modules are moving on these paths in the pavement. I tighten the extensive, long surface of the Ulrich Square and I place the functions of the modules based on the suitability of locations at the beginning of the paths and also in the place of combinations.
The modules are adapted for maximal versatility. They also provide functions that came out of the participation workshop. There are modules with a tree, seating, greenery, fireplace and there are also modules functioning only as platforms, which help with diversity of the emerging combinations. I rejuvenate unused large granite pots (2x2 m) from the era of communism, on the sides of the square. I am removing the pot in the middle and modules have the possibility to come between them. This place functions as a „base point“ with seating, greenery and shadow. The paths for the modules are created thanks to milled joints in the granite pavement. The modules are moving on these paths thanks to small wheels. The pavement is in the current state damaged and needs complete replacement. For these paths I replace only 1/12 of the whole pavement (temporary intervention).
The size of the modules comes from the base size of the pavement parts and from the size of the existing granite pots. The base dimensions are 1000x500 mm. The surfaces designated for sitting are from plywood. The plywood cladding also comes from the base dimension. I reuse the removed granite tiles as cladding for the platform modules.
The modules - carts - are bordered with steel edge that enables the modules to be used for skateboarding. Thanks to the combinations, there can be created varied combinations of the rails for skateboarding.
To help with the use of the modules, I create graphic elements indicating movement of the carts and the number of the cart. In places of possible collision of the carts, I design rubber round protective pads. The entire design respects the square and aims to enrich it in terms of its appearance and function.To help with the use of the modules, I create graphic elements indicating movement of the carts and the number of the cart. In places of possible collision of the carts, I design rubber round protective pads. The entire design respects the square and aims to enrich it in terms of its appearance and function.