KCAP and CITYFÖRSTER design a new cultural district for Bratislava, Slovakia. Trnavské mýto will house a state-of-the-art concert and congress venue and the area will be transformed into a modern open neighbourhood including a series of green and public areas.
Immocap, the owner of Istropolis and the adjacent land, has presented its vision of New Istropolis, developed in cooperation with the international architectural office KCAP and partner studio CITYFÖRSTER. The project aims to bring Bratislava a world-class multifunctional cultural and social centre with top-level architecture, creating a long deserved cultural landmark for the Slovakian capital.
“We have worked on the New Istropolis vision for 2.5 years, and we’re proud to present a project that will improve Bratislava residents’ quality of life in many ways. Our vision turns the dysfunctional zone in Trnavské mýto into a lively district full fo culture, greenery and public spaces,” said Martin Šramko, CEO of Immocap.
Immocap committed itself to retaining the cultural and social function of Istropolis following its acquisition in 2017. The current vision was developed following an analysis and detailed consultations with promoters of cultural and social events, verification studies and audits, and visits to reference projects abroad. An international architectural competition involved seven studios – all urbanism and architecture studios with extensive experience in transforming under-performing urban zones into thriving new landmarks.
Bratislava deserves a magnificent cultural landmark
The new multifunctional hall enables Istropolis to meet Bratislava’s real needs and leverage the potential of Trnavské mýto, and will foster cultural and congress tourism. New Istropolis offers the capacity to host various events simultaneously, such as acoustic, rock, jazz, pop concerts, numerous events and cultural events, and conferences and congresses of all sizes. The hall will be able to hold three different events simultaneously and have a maximum capacity of 3000 seats and 5000 combined seats for sitting and standing. The unique in-the-round seating configuration brings the audience close to the stage, creating a sense of intimacy and connection with the performers.
In addition to renowned architects, the developer also invited to the project a world leader in the consulting and design of concert and congress halls. Charcoalblue studio’s involvement is a guarantee that New Istropolis will provide the best technical conditions for performers, and outstanding cultural experiences for visitors.
“It is an honour to design such an important public venue for the city, especially as it becomes the landmark for a whole new creative district with an attractive public space and bespoke architecture. We hope that New Istropolis will host memorable events for a broad audience, that it will become a much loved destination where people meet and that inspires. It should become a cultural catalyst,” explains Jeroen Dirckx, partner at KCAP.
Istropolis – more than a performance hall
Trnavské mýto is a key location in Bratislava in terms of pedestrian movement, traffic, and potential contribution to urban development. The project aims to bring new life to this important part of the city that has been neglected too long. Besides the world-class cultural venue, there will be a park with promenade, fountains, and cycle paths. Public areas will be accessible to visitors throughout the day, while the square will support and develop community activities such as seasonal markets.
“We are also proud to contribute to a future-proof, more livable Bratislava. Not only on the level of the project – where pedestrians, cyclists and green spaces take pride of place – but also on a larger scale. The location is extremely well connected within the city, a true transport hub, and it is very sustainable to add this wide array of functions to such an accessible place”, says Martin Sobota, partner at CITYFÖRSTER.
The New Istropolis project will radically change Trnavské mýto, which has the opportunity to become an important new city centre and natural centre for the local community. It will attract visitors from the city, across Slovakia, visitors, and international tourists.
