Artistic Intervention for the Main Underpass

The aim of the competition is to define vision and strategy for the underpass and to transform the underground part of the underpass into a safe, pleasant, illuminated and accessible public space with elements of art and design. The intention, of course, is not to motivate people to spend their free time in the underpass, but to contribute to a change in the perception of the place.

Within the framework of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project, the Creative Institute Trenčín announces an art-architectural competition. The aim of the competition is to show the potential of the underpass, to improve its overall impression for pedestrians, and at the same time to use this specific public space for the presentation of the activities of Trenčín 2026.

Design requirements

The general requirement for the design is the implementation of permanent artistic-architectural intervention in the interior of the underpass (in its underground part), which will attract attention, maintain or even improve the illumination of the underpass, enhancing the feeling of safety. At the same time, the design should refer to the Trenčín 2026 and its main motto – Awakening Curiosity.

The design of the new interior of the underpass includes the creation of new digital pannels for the presentation of city events and activities of the Trenčín 2026 programme. The artistic intervention can incorporate elements such as light, sound or space, while maintaining sufficient clear width to ensure that the movement of pedestrians, including parents with prams or people in wheelchairs, is not restricted.

Type of Competition

Project – design & build, anonymous, public, combined architectural-artistic, one phase competition. This procurement, or the contract award, is not a design competition (according to Section 119 et seq. of the Public Procurement Act and Decree of the Office for Public Procurement No. 157/2016 Coll.), but it is a contract award outside the Public Procurement Act announced according to the Competition Act of the Slovak Chamber of Architects.

Important Dates

Regular Jury Members

Independent of the Announcer

• Martin Piaček – Artist and university lecturer, Academy of Fine Arts and Design

• Jana Benková – Architect

• Samu Forsblom – Program Director, European Capital of Culture Oulu 2026

• Vivien Doumpa – Urbanist, Board Member Placemaking Europe

Dependent on the Announcer

• Omar Mirza – City Curator – Public Space Specialist, City of Trenčín

Alternates for Jury Members

Independent of the Announcer

• Filip Ovádek – Designer and Visual Artist, Fest Art Studio

Dependent on the Announcer

• Peter Kohout – Architect, City of Trenčín
   

Expert Advisor

• Vladimír Beskid –

  Program Manager, European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026

   

Prize Money for Awarded Proposals

3 000 € – 1. place 

2 400 € – 2. place 

1 800 € – 3. place 

Competition brief for download