KVIFF.TV Park Pavilion by CHYBIK + KRISTOF: A Modular Cultural Landmark Celebrating Festival Architecture in Karlovy Vary

Set against the historic spa town of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, the KVIFF.TV Park Pavilion designed by acclaimed architecture studio CHYBIK + KRISTOF emerges as a dynamic, temporary cultural hub during the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Rooted in the city's architectural and social traditions, the pavilion acts as both a functional venue and an architectural commentary on the legacy of Brutalist architecture, particularly referencing the adjacent Hotel Thermal designed by Věra and Vladimír Machonin in the late 1960s.

Reinterpreting the Spa Colonnade Through Modular Design

Drawing inspiration from Karlovy Vary’s iconic colonnades, the architects reimagined these traditional structures using a vertical modular system. The resulting elevated form evokes the rhythm and openness of classic colonnades while introducing a contemporary architectural language through exposed steel frameworks and vibrant red furniture. This robust color palette and industrial aesthetic directly nod to the brutalist design ethos of the Hotel Thermal, creating a compelling dialogue between the old and new.

Flexible Space for Cultural Programming

The pavilion is designed as a transformative public space that supports a full spectrum of festival activities. During daylight hours, it functions as an informal stage for talks, meetups, and film quizzes. At night, it seamlessly transitions into a lively social venue with a bar, DJ sets, and dance floor, energized by adaptive LED lighting that reflects the festival's evolving visual identity. Integrated neon lights add vibrancy while maintaining a minimal and flexible architectural framework.

Modular, Scalable, and Sustainable Construction

The pavilion is composed of 41 vertical and 18 horizontal prefabricated modules, reaching a height of 6 meters and covering nearly 30 meters in length. With its two-level configuration, it includes a ground-level bar and performance space, VIP lounges on the upper gallery, and several partner lounges. The structure accommodates up to 1,000 visitors, offering shaded areas, open-air relaxation zones by the Teplá River, and improved airflow through its indoor-outdoor configuration.

Circular Thinking: Reuse and Adaptation

One of the standout features of the KVIFF.TV Park Pavilion is its commitment to sustainability and reuse. After each festival, the pavilion is disassembled, stored, and later modified for future editions. The latest iteration incorporates upgraded lighting systems aligned with the current festival's branding, demonstrating how modular architecture can offer both environmental efficiency and creative flexibility over time.

Architectural Impact and Festival Spirit

Architect Ondřej Chybík describes the pavilion as a "temporary sibling" to the Hotel Thermal, honoring its historic presence while introducing a fresh, mobile, and interactive architecture that embodies the spirit of cinema, community, and public space. It’s not just a structure—it’s a living extension of the festival itself, blurring boundaries between built form and urban experience.

All Photogrphs are works of Alex Shoots Buildings