Vltavská Underground by U / U Studio + RE_place – Revitalizing Prague’s Underpass into a Dynamic Skatepark and Urban Hub

Transforming a Neglected Space into a Vibrant Public Landmark

The Vltavská Underground, designed by U / U Studio and RE_place, is a bold urban revitalization project located in Praha 7, Czechia. Once a dark, abandoned underpass near the Vltavská transport intersection, this 1,810 m² space was long considered unsafe and avoided by locals. Completed in 2022, the project redefines the meaning of public space by injecting life, culture, and creativity into the heart of the city.

The architects envisioned more than a skatepark—they created a multi-functional cultural hub, merging freestyle sports, community engagement, and nightlife under one roof. By reclaiming this forgotten corner of Prague, the project demonstrates the power of architecture and urban design to foster inclusion, movement, and safety.

A Playground for Movement, Sport, and Culture

The Vltavská Underground skatepark is designed as a flexible space that supports multiple activities:

• Freestyle sports: Skateboarding, BMX, and scooter riding take center stage with specially designed obstacles, ramps, and smooth concrete surfaces.
• Climbing & fitness: A bouldering wall and workout spaces encourage physical activity beyond wheels.
• Streetball & dance: A dedicated streetball area and a mirrored dance floor bring diverse forms of movement into the same space.
• Pole dance & performance arts: A performance corner adds to the inclusivity of freestyle activities.
• Art & culture: A public art gallery integrates visual expression into the urban fabric, making the space both athletic and artistic.

At its core, the design embraces the Vltava River’s flowing character, symbolizing movement, continuity, and energy.

Lighting, Safety, and Community

Previously unsafe and unwelcoming, the underpass has now been transformed into a safe shared environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and athletes. The design incorporates:

• Durable steel and concrete finishes for long-lasting use and low maintenance.
• Linear lighting systems that brighten the entire area, reducing shadows and increasing security.
• Chill-out zones with views of Prague, offering rest and relaxation after physical activity.
• A pop-up bar and bistro space near the transport hub to encourage social interaction.

One symbolic element is “Ollie the Pig”, a permanent fixture with a scannable QR code. It allows visitors to directly support homeless individuals in the district, reinforcing the idea of community solidarity.

An Inclusive Urban Vision

The Vltavská Underground project goes beyond architecture—it is a statement of how cities can reinvent forgotten infrastructure into public cultural assets. By combining sports, art, nightlife, and community outreach, the underpass has been reborn as a destination that welcomes everyone.

Through its integration of freestyle sports and social initiatives, the project reflects Prague’s evolving identity as a city that values inclusivity, creativity, and innovation.

All the photographs are works of Jiří Kotal