## Lookout Above Litomyšl: A Sarcastic Commentary on the Czech Republic
Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s been buzzing around in the Czech Republic: the architecture of Lookout Above Litomyšl, a stunning viewing tower built from two long, narrow shipping containers.
The sheer audacity of it all! You’re standing on a viewing deck, a glimpse of the charming town nestled in the Czech Republic. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of the architecture world.
What makes this structure so special? Well, it’s more than just a building; it’s a visual statement. The shipping containers, a testament to the Czech Republic’s economic strength and the desire to connect with the outside world, are meticulously crafted to create a breathtaking panoramic view.
And the view? Absolutely breathtaking! From the top, the landscape stretches out before you, a tapestry of rolling hills, a sparkling river, and the imposing silhouette of Litomyšl Castle. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what about the cost?” And that’s a valid point. But let’s be honest, the cost of this project is a significant investment. It’s a tangible representation of the Czech Republic’s commitment to modern design and sustainability.
Beyond the visual appeal, Lookout Above Litomyšl also plays a vital role in the town’s destinations of journeys. It’s a symbol of the community’s dedication to exploring the countryside and fostering a sense of connection with nature. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike can connect with the beauty of the region.
Ultimately, Lookout Above Litomyšl is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of Czech ingenuity, a reminder of the country’s commitment to sustainable development, and a testament to the power of architecture to inspire and connect people. So, next time you’re in the Czech Republic, take a moment to appreciate the stunning views and the unique architecture of Lookout Above Litomyšl. It’s a truly special and memorable experience.
Thanks for joining the conversation! Don’t forget to like and share this blog post with your friends who might be interested in this incredible building. Until next time, happy building!
Architecture studio Atelier-r has completed Lookout Above Litomyšl, a viewing tower in the Czech Republic constructed from two long, narrow shipping containers.
Standing on the northwestern outskirts of the town of Litomyšl, the structure is composed of one container laid on its side to create a viewing deck and another placed vertically as a tower.
Lookout Above Litomyšl forms part of the town’s Destinations of Journeys project, which has involved the commission of several structures aimed at encouraging locals and tourists to explore the area’s countryside.
Given the option of six possible sites, Atelier-r opted for a plot off a hiking trail that offered views of both the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Litomyšl Castle and the town centre, including the town hall, which the studio has been working to restore.
Atelier-r constructed the viewpoint from the two repurposed shipping containers due to both a tight budget and the requirement that any built element could be reversible.
“We were given free hand in choosing the settings from six proposed locations,” chief architect Miroslav Pospíšil told Dezeen.
”We were driven to design an iconic object that would act as a visual beacon, drawing people towards it,” Pospíšil continued.
“The investor’s brief gradually evolved into a creative process: to conceive a sculptural object with an engaging function, to offer a new perspective on the city centre with minimal investment costs, and to remain respectful of the environment,” he added.
To support and brace the shipping containers, they were reinforced with a steel structure, which also allowed for the creation of a staircase inside the vertical tower. Both were then placed on reinforced concrete foundations.
Due to the site’s topography, the horizontal container angles slightly upwards to create what the studio calls a “sense of levitation” at one end, where a deep metal-framed reveal screened with metal mesh points towards the town.
Celebrating the incongruity of these shipping containers in the otherwise green landscape, the studio left their grey weathering-steel surfaces uncleaned and untreated, still bearing the logo of German coffee chain Tchibo.
“To preserve authenticity, the containers were left in their original surface finish,” said Pospíšil. “They were not specially cleaned or painted. Coatings were applied only to the newly added reinforcing structures,” he continued.
“Should the lookout one day cease to attract the city’s residents, though we firmly believe it will not, the structure can be easily dismantled, and the containers recycled for future use.”
Extending from the top of the viewing tower is an artwork entitled Mikado by sculptor Jan Dostál. Made from slender metal rods, it not only declares the lookout’s presence from afar but also acts as a lightning conductor to protect the structure.
Other projects that have recently made use of repurposed shipping containers include the Down in the Clouds Pavilions in China, which are combined with giant inflatables, and a floating sauna in California.
The photography is by Boysplaynice.
Architecture studio Atelier-r has completed Lookout Above Litomyšl, a viewing tower in the Czech Republic constructed from two long, narrow shipping containers.
Standing on the northwestern outskirts of the town of Litomyšl, the structure is composed of one container laid on its side to create a viewing deck and another placed vertically as a tower.
Lookout Above Litomyšl forms part of the town’s Destinations of Journeys project, which has involved the commission of several structures aimed at encouraging locals and tourists to explore the area’s countryside.
Given the option of six possible sites, Atelier-r opted for a plot off a hiking trail that offered views of both the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Litomyšl Castle and the town centre, including the town hall, which the studio has been working to restore.
Atelier-r constructed the viewpoint from the two repurposed shipping containers due to both a tight budget and the requirement that any built element could be reversible.
“We were given free hand in choosing the settings from six proposed locations,” chief architect Miroslav Pospíšil told Dezeen.
“We were driven to design an iconic object that would act as a visual beacon, drawing people towards it,” Pospíšil continued.
“The investor’s brief gradually evolved into a creative process: to conceive a sculptural object with an engaging function, to offer a new perspective on the city centre with minimal investment costs, and to remain respectful of the environment,” he added.
To support and brace the shipping containers, they were reinforced with a steel structure, which also allowed for the creation of a staircase inside the vertical tower. Both were then placed on reinforced concrete foundations.
Due to the site’s topography, the horizontal container angles slightly upwards to create what the studio calls a “sense of levitation” at one end, where a deep metal-framed reveal screened with metal mesh points towards the town.
Celebrating the incongruity of these shipping containers in the otherwise green landscape, the studio left their grey weathering-steel surfaces uncleaned and untreated, still bearing the logo of German coffee chain Tchibo.
“To preserve authenticity, the containers were left in their original surface finish,” said Pospíšil. “They were not specially cleaned or painted. Coatings were applied only to the newly added reinforcing structures,” he continued.
“Should the lookout one day cease to attract the city’s residents, though we firmly believe it will not, the structure can be easily dismantled, and the containers recycled for future use.”
Extending from the top of the viewing tower is an artwork entitled Mikado by sculptor Jan Dostál. Made from slender metal rods, it not only declares the lookout’s presence from afar but also acts as a lightning conductor to protect the structure.
Other projects that have recently made use of repurposed shipping containers include the Down in the Clouds Pavilions in China, which are combined with giant inflatables, and a floating sauna in California.
The photography is by Boysplaynice.
