1km of Urban Change – Revitalization of the Area Around Negrelli Viaduct

Thanks to its innovative approach in transforming the environment surrounding the heritage-listed Negrelli Viaduct—spearheaded by CCEA MOBA in collaboration with local residents, the city, and invited artists since 2013—the project has advanced to the final round of the prestigious New European Bauhaus Prizes 2025.

CCEA MOBA initiated a complete revitalization of the area and the possibility of using the arches for available creative activities of the Prague citizens.
The project was initiated by the upcoming reconstruction of the structure, which was provided by Správa železnic. Through activities in cooperation with local associations, residents, artists, we started to bring attention to the potential of the area around the viaduct. The first event was the Track of Galleries in 2013, where ten major Prague galleries prepared installations under the arches. Gradually, we managed to acquire the land under the arches for the City of Prague, prepare a study of the revitalisation of the viaduct surroundings and ensure the possibility of accessible use of the spaces under the arches. As part of the plan, the Prague City Council adopted a unique strategy to use the new spaces under the arches in a way that would make them available for local businesses: 40% commercial (bars, bistros, etc.), 40% creative (studios, workshops, etc.) and 20% for start-ups (starting art projects). Design preparations are now underway for the whole area.

At the end of 2024, the first pilot arch opened to the public – and more are planned.

The space is available to local residents for lectures, presentations, discussions, community events, exhibitions, and other pop-up activities. Thanks to the support of the City of Prague, the space can also be reserved free of charge for non-commercial purposes.
more at viaduktkarlin.cz

Process:
2012
The area under and around the viaduct was used as an illegal parking lot and dumping ground..
2013
CCEA MOBA, in collaboration with ten Prague-based galleries, organised the project The Line Galleries, aiming to highlight the potential for new uses of the space following the planned reconstruction of the structure, which had been prepared by the Railway Administration since 2010. The project focused on the technical aspects of the viaduct itself, not on the surrounding area or the spaces beneath the arches.
2014
CCEA MOBA recommended that representatives of the City of Prague, as part of the planned land exchange, transfer the land beneath the arches to the city and the land beneath the viaduct pillars to the viaduct’s administrator – the Railway Administration.
2015
In cooperation with Karlín Group, CCEA MOBA organised the symposium Negrelli Viaduct = Creative Incubator, which brought together representatives of the City of Prague, the Railway Administration, the National Heritage Institute, engineers from SUDOP, and guest architects – authors of viaduct reconstructions in Vienna, Berlin, and Zurich – at one table.
2016
CCEA MOBA implemented the project Summer under the Viaduct with the aim of testing future transformations of the public space surrounding the viaduct. During the summer months, the area was turned into a space for gathering and relaxation. Volleyball, ping-pong, and basketball courts were installed, along with a stage, a summer bar, and lounge chairs.
2017
The Prague 8 municipal district has approved the conceptual urban study for the revitalization of the area.2018
The planned complete reconstruction of the viaduct has been started by the Railway Administration.
2019
The intention of CCEA MOBA for the revitalization of the area was approved by the Council of the Capital City of Prague. Over forty accessible rental spaces are planned to be created under the arches. As part of the plan, a unique strategy for the use of these spaces was adopted to ensure they are available for local residents’ businesses: 40% for commercial use (bars, bistros, etc.), 40% for creative activities (studios, workshops), and 20% for start-ups and emerging artistic projects.
2020
CCEA MOBA has started preparing the Pilot Arch project.
2021
The project was taken over by the Transport Department of the Capital City of Prague, and together with the Technical Road Administration (TSK), the design was refined.
2022
The building permit has been secured.
2023
The general contractor for the Pilot Arch was the company Strabag a.s.
2024
In December, the Pilot Arch was opened with the possibility of its use for civic and community activities. For a period of two years, both the operational potential and the technical properties of the space will be tested.
2025
At this moment, design work continues on the revitalization of the entire area, and a zoning procedure is underway for the whole locality with the aim of revitalizing the public space around the viaduct and making an additional 49 arches accessible for affordable local activities.