Usable elements of technical infrastructure around historic architecture in the Old Town of Prague

Abstract

Utilizable architectural details can highlight the character of a historical building, but they can also change the perception of the total view of this particular building or even the whole district. That is why architectural elements installed in old buildings or old, historical quarters are a challenge for designers and contractors. It is possible to achieve a good and well-accepted effect, but one condition must be abided - the investor must try to get all elements harmonized. The elaboration of a concept requires a good knowledge about both building history and detail character. The paper shows an application of engineering elements in the Old Town of Prague. The research was conducted in the historical part of Prague, where even on the first look you can see scrupulousness about all elements of buildings, the most useful elements related to urban networks and object furnishings are not incompatible with the historic character of the city. A widespread public debate on renovation of constructions, showing good and bad examples of retrofitting, would allow avoiding common mistakes and link modernity with historical value.