Lookout Tower on Devínska Kobyla, Devínska Nová Ves, Bratislava, SK

Function: Other

Country: Slovakia

Category: Innovative Public Spaces

Firm: Architects Šebo Lichý

Architects: Tomáš Šebo, Igor Lichý, Aleš Hradecký, Emanuel Zatlukaj, Imrich Vaško, Branislav Groch, Denisa Pavkovček Šťastná

Completion of design: 2018

Year completed: 2020

Nominated by: Andrea Bacová PhD

Laudation

This work offers a contemporary architectural design inspired by nature. The result is an architectural sculpture, scenic in every way. The architects worked with an original natural shape that pressed into a light metal structure. The form of the white tower has an dynamic design. The tower’s sculpture-like steel structure is based on a bionic form, which combines aspects of the local fauna and flora. Thanks to this, the construction can be perceived as if it has no weight. The “dematerialization” is achieved with contrasts between transparency and opacity, edge and pane, light and shadow. The long subtle arms, which sophistically support the viewing platforms, are to evoke the thorns and flowers of the omnipresent thistle.

Project Description

A long-anticipated lookout tower has been built at the top of Devínska Kobyla, the highest point of the Devínska brána massif. The architects of the Šebo Lichý studio were honoured to be able to design it and thereby support a project that will increase the attractiveness of the location. The new lookout tower on Devínska Kobyla, whose investor is the Bratislava-Devínska Nová Ves district, will be located at the intersections of popular tourist routes and will offer its visitors good accessibility and wonderful views. The investor's intention was to build an attractive lookout tower on a small budget. Based on references, the Mayor of the Bratislava-Devínska Nová Ves district approached the architects with an interest in cooperating in the creation of the design. They were excited by this idea based on the attractiveness of the assignment itself. Moreover, several of their projects are located in the Dúbravka and Záhorská Bystrica districts and they were thus naturally interested in helping to develop this area. That is why Architects Šebo Lichý and ITB Development were happy to sponsor the creation of the lookout tower. Its location near the borders of three countries represents a symbolic meaning in the form of the intersection of Central European cultures. The view of the three neighbouring countries is a motif reflected in three viewing platforms at different height levels. Praying mantis is one insect of the rich fauna of Devínska Kobyla whose slender shape inspired the architects in materializing the character of the lookout tower. The white colour allows its silhouette to stand out against the backdrop of the crowns of the surrounding forest and, at the same time, makes it invisible from distant views of the Devínska Kobyla massif. The construction, which weighs 35 tonnes, was made by INGSTEEL. After climbing 112 steps, visitors will reach a height of 21.27 metres. Here they will be able to enjoy beautiful views which will be attractive not only for the inhabitants of the adjacent city districts. The architects believe that the construction of the lookout tower in 2020 is the first step towards the restoration of the area that will kick-start its revitalization and support tourism in the vicinity. The biggest reward for them will be satisfied visitors who, in addition to beautiful photos, will take away an unforgettable experience from their trip.