We are launching an architectural and urban planning competition for the area in the Chalupkova zone.

Ee are announcing an international, two-stage architectural and urban planning competition with the aim of finding a future solution and design for the development of the area in the newly emerging downtown of Bratislava, located between Mlynské Nivy, Košická and Chalupkova streets. The competition is open to all entries and includes invitations to three prominent international studios.

This year, we acquired land from HB Reavis, adding 32 500 square meters to our portfolio for this future development. The zoning plan for this area permits the construction of high-rise landmarks. Currently, the site accommodates construction facilities related to the operation of a temporary bus station, which include paved areas, platforms, a filling station, and a bus wash.

The architectural and urban planning competition aims to enhance the area with quality architecture that incorporates residential development complemented by ground-level retail establishments, vibrant public spaces, and greenery. An office building on Mlynské Nivy Street is also included in the project; although its design is not part of the competition, it will be integrated into the proposed urban concept. The office building stems from a project which was originally approved by the previous owner and is currently undergoing revisions and modifications in collaboration with the Czech studio Jakub Cigler Architekti. The construction start is planned for the upcoming days.

"The Chalupkova Zone represents one of the most prestigious locations in Bratislava, situated in the developing downtown area, close to the historical city center. I believe that an open architectural competition with international participation is exactly what this area deserves. We consider using the competition framework as the most suitable way to find the best and highest quality concept for this area. Drawing from past experiences, such as the Southbank project on the southern bank of the Danube River, I am convinced that the combination of international and local expertise will ultimately yield a truly unique urbanistic and architectural solution," said Jakub Ertl, Design Development Manager at Penta Real Estate responsible for the competition preparation.

Competition details

The competition will consist of two rounds. The first round is an open pre-qualification, from which three proposals will be selected to advance to the second round based on the expert jury’s assessment. Interested participants can register for the first round starting November 6, 2023.

Three esteemed architectural studios have been invited to proceed directly to the second round: the Danish studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the Dutch studio MVRDV, and Jakub Cigler Architekti from the Czech Republic.

In the second round, the jury will evaluate six proposals, ultimately selecting one winner. Studios that advance to the second round will be awarded a prize of 30,000 euros. The competition results will be announced on March 28, 2024.

Proposals will be evaluated by a seven-member expert jury with two alternates. Four jury members and one alternate are external experts - architects, urban planners, and a representative of the Old Town city district. The remaining three jury members and one alternate are representatives of the developer, Penta Real Estate.

External members of the expert jury:

Arch. DI. Patrick Lüth, Snøhetta (Partner, Lead Architect)
Dipl. Ing. Peter Gero, Peter Gero Consulting (Architect and Urban Planner)
Igor Marko MA Arch ARB, Marko and Placemakers (Architect and Urban Planner)
Ing. Matej Vagač, Bratislava-Staré Mesto (Mayor of the City District)
Alternate - Ing. Arch. Kornel Kobák, Vice President of the Slovak Chamber of Architects, AVK architects, FORFORM (Architect and Urban Planner)

Penta Real Estate representatives:

Ing. arch. Juraj Nevolník (Country Managing Director, SK)
Mgr. Michal Rehák (Business Director Residential, SK)
Ing. David Musil PhD. (Business Director Residential, CZ)
Alternate - Ing. Marcel Martišek (Head of Project Management, SK)

For more information about the competition, please visit: www.competition.chalupkova.com