PARKHOTEL

Zdeněk Edel, Jiří Lavička, Alena Šrámková, Jindřich Pulkrábek
1967 - 1970
Dukelských hrdinů 49, Praha 7
Foto: Daniela Šrámková
Autor textu: Pavlína Karbanová Krásná, Petr Danda
Překlad: Petr Danda

Hotel projektoval v šedesátých letech Zdeněk Edel a Jiří Lavička, na interiérech se podílela Alena Šrámková. Celá hmota stavby je nesena lehce rozkročenými bruselskými nožičkami, prosklená fasáda s vertikálními slunolami dodává hotelu na eleganci. Interiéry byly pojaty minimalisticky, vzdušně a s maximální prosvětleností. V devadesátých letech je postihla šílená rekonstrukce, která hotel velmi degradovala, naštěstí zásluhou osvíceného developera byl hotel v roce 2015 zrekonstruován téměř do původní podoby. Svůj název hotel získal díky blízkosti parku Stromovka. Hned po svém vzniku se stal vyhledávaným místem pro pobyt zahraniční klientely, byl výborně technicky vybaven a působil západním dojmem. Logo hotelu, které připomíná koníka navrhl grafik Jiří Rathouský.

Prague’s most famous hotel from the 1960s was designed by Zdeněk Edel, Jiří Lavička and part of the interiors by Alena Šrámková. The whole mass of the building is carried by “Brussel feet”, a term used for the slightly staggered columns on the ground floor. The glass curtain wall with its vertical sun protection blades further adds to the hotel’s elegant appearance. The interiors are marked with airiness, brightness and a minimalistic design approach. The name Parkhotel is derived from the fact that it is located in the vicinity of Prague’s city park Stromovka. Right after opening, it became a very popular place for foreign clients since it has been equipped with the latest technology and has always been able to meet the expectations of its demanding guests. The logo, resembling a horse, and the hotel’s information system were designed by graphic designer Jiří Rathouský. Another reason the hotel is engraved in the memories of Czechs and Slovaks is the TV series Arabela, which has been shot in the hotel. In the 90s the interiors underwent a mad and extremely bad refurbishment project, downgrading the hotel’s status. However, in 2015, thanks to an enlightened developer, the interiors were renovated to its former glory. Unfortunately, in another turn of events, with youth hostel company Mama Shelter managing and distastefully “refurbishing” the hotel now, it seems that the gloomy days of bad design are back again. Just like in the 90s.