The City and Its Spaces: Urban Concept for Public Spaces in Dubňany

Project idea

This project responds to the need for restoring meaning and quality to public spaces that have lost their function due to the rapid industrial transformation of smaller towns in Central Europe. Dubňany, originally a rural village, underwent dynamic spatial change during the 20th century. The design concept seeks to revive two key urban locations—an oversized, underused central square and a former village green fragmented by traffic.

Rather than proposing a final architectural solution, the project presents a clear and adaptable vision. It redefines spatial structure based on historical layers, pedestrian logic, greenery, and community-oriented functions. It emphasizes human-scale interventions, supports natural movement patterns, and proposes a return to place identity through sensitive, contextual design. The goal is to create spaces that are not only functional, but also alive—with the power to bring people together again.

Project description

The proposal focuses on two sites in the town of Dubňany (Czech Republic):

15th April Square, built in the socialist era as a formal center, yet never truly integrated into the social fabric of the city
Former Village Green, once the heart of the town, now neglected and severed by a major road
Both areas suffer from fragmentation, excessive traffic, poor spatial definition, and lack of comfort for daily use. Based on detailed spatial, social, and historical analysis, the proposal introduces a set of design principles:

Calming and rerouting traffic to give priority to pedestrians
Strengthening green infrastructure as a spatial and climatic element
Activating key nodes with multifunctional use
Restoring continuity and urban legibility through small-scale, nature-based interventions
The result is a conceptual framework that can be implemented step-by-step and adapted over time, enhancing both the identity and livability of the town.

Technical information

Location: Dubňany, South Moravia, Czech Republic
Project Type: Conceptual urban design (bachelor level student work)
Project Area:
 – 15th April Square
 – Former Village Green
Design Focus: Public space revitalization, pedestrian mobility, spatial enclosure, participatory green infrastructure
Key Elements:
 – Redefined circulation and traffic hierarchy
 – Natural shading and water retention elements
 – Functional zoning (leisure, community events, daily use)
 – Integration of historical and local identity
Methodology:
 – Spatial and functional analysis
 – Observational research
 – Application of theories by Camillo Sitte and Jan Gehl
 – Conceptual drawings and phasing diagrams

Documentation

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