The contest is split into two phases with the deadline for phase one set for 17 February 2023. It’s organised by the CCEA (Centre for Central European Architecture) and MOBA studio. CCEA is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2001, while Studio MOBA is an architectural firm founded by the same members. In addition to delivering architecture and urban planning projects, the studio’s mission is to support high-quality design by organising architectural and urban planning competitions for public and private buildings.

According to the competition brief, the new technical building will be located in the Střížkov district, on the northern edge of the Prosek housing estate. The layout and architectural design of the new building should respond to the complexity of the operation but also to the comfort of users who are exposed to excessively stressful situations during their work.

The focal point of the building is the Medical Operations Centre (ZOS), where staff receive calls and deal with crisis situations. The ZOS is complemented by other buildings, including an education and training centre with facilities such as simulation rooms for training rescuers and the public; servicing and cleaning of ambulances and other rescue equipment; and administrative facilities for the whole Service.

Competition jury vice-chair Milena Johnová, councillor for social policy and healthcare for the City of Prague, said: “At present, the administrative and technical facilities of the HMP are scattered in several locations in the city. None of the attempts of my predecessors to merge all the facilities into a more suitable location succeeded.”

Describing the objective of the competition, she said: “The aim is to find an answer to the question of how to improve the functioning of the HMP ZZS, to reduce the stress of the staff, whether emergency rescue workers or operators of the medical centre, and thus to help to improve the quality of the service. I believe that a well-designed working environment and high-quality architecture are able to significantly support the work of our paramedics.”

The new Prague Emergency Medical Service will also comprise administrative facilities, a medical operations area, a gym, a crisis preparedness hub, overnight accommodation, a cafe, a transport department, a storage area, and a laundry and services area.

Igor Kovačević, from CCEA MOBA, described the competition as “groundbreaking”, given that this is thought to be the first time that an open competition for a new building has been announced since the Velvet Revolution in late 1989.

“We believe that this competition will become a model for the city to look for architects and designers for major urban investments in the future, and that the tradition of awarding a project to the lowest bidder will become a definite thing of the past,” said Kovačević.

“The general atmosphere in Prague, where the city is looking for ways to involve private developers in competitions, is also contributing to this; the competition [as a general vehicle] is slowly becoming a platform for seeking consensus on the territory.”

The competition comprises three prize levels: first prize (CZK 2 million); second prize (CZK 1.25 million); and third prize (CZK 950,000). To participate in the tender, registration is required via the following link.