The Competition Showcases Inspiring Projects from Across the Czech Republic
The Urban Development Project of the Year is one of the Czech Republic’s most prestigious professional awards in the field of urban planning. Its purpose is to highlight outstanding spatial planning, urban design studies, and thoughtfully planned development of cities, municipalities, and landscapes. The jury evaluates not only architectural quality, but above all how individual projects address public spaces, mobility, landscape integration, sustainability, and the future quality of life for residents. The competition is organised by the Foundation for the Development of Architecture and Construction, together with its partner organisations.
The District Is Shaped by a Masterplan by Kuba & Pilař Architects
The jury assessed Nová Zbrojovka based on its Masterplan – a comprehensive urban planning document that defines the long-term development of the entire district. Rather than simply determining the location of buildings, it establishes the principles that will guide the neighbourhood's future development. It defines where housing, offices, retail, services, and public amenities will be located, how streets, squares, and green spaces will connect, and how the district will integrate with the surrounding parts of Brno.
Covering an area of 22.5 hectares, the Masterplan coordinates the development of transport and technical infrastructure, public spaces, and green areas. From the outset, it has incorporated the principles of a sustainable neighbourhood, providing a clear framework for every future stage of development – ensuring that the district will remain a great place to live not only today, but for decades to come.
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This prestigious award recognises the quality and long-term vision behind Brno's new urban district | The Nová Zbrojovka Masterplan is one of the largest and most comprehensive urban planning projects in the Czech Republic |
The Masterplan was completed in 2020 by Kuba & Pilař Architects, led by architect Tomáš Pilař. Its development was a collaborative effort involving representatives of the investor, CPI Property Group, together with dozens of architects, engineers, transport specialists, city representatives, and other experts. Nová Zbrojovka's Masterplan is one of the largest and most comprehensive urban planning projects of its kind in the Czech Republic. Comparable projects are typically only a fraction of its size. It is also one of the few large-scale urban districts being developed by a single investor.
"Developing such a comprehensive urban masterplan is still quite exceptional in the development industry. From the very beginning, we invested significant effort into designing a district that would function not only after the completion of its first phases, but also decades into the future. We have remained committed to the original vision throughout the project, giving the development a clear and consistent direction. Equally important is the fact that the same team of experts and project managers has overseen the Masterplan from the very beginning. That continuity has been essential," explains Ivona Uherková, architect in Nová Zbrojovka and co-author of the Masterplan.
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Nová Zbrojovka architect Ivona Uherková is a co-author of the project's Masterplan | Every building in Nová Zbrojovka is designed as a unique piece of architecture. This diversity will give the neighbourhood its distinctive character and identity |
From a Derelict Brownfield to a Modern 15-Minute Neighbourhood
The 2026 Urban Development Project of the Year award does not recognise a single building or architectural detail. Instead, the jury acknowledged the overall transformation of a former industrial site into a vibrant and fully integrated urban district.
"We greatly appreciate this award because it confirms that we are developing Nová Zbrojovka according to a clear vision, with a strong focus on high-quality public spaces, sustainability, and the commitments we set from the very beginning. Every decision we make is guided by the needs of future residents and the long-term development of the entire neighbourhood," says Ivona Uherková.
Nová Zbrojovka is being developed according to the principles of a 15-minute neighbourhood. Homes, workplaces, schools, shops, restaurants, and places for leisure, sport, and culture will all be within a 650-metre walk. The result is a lively urban environment that is not dependent on cars but instead encourages walking and cycling.
Green infrastructure is another key element of the project. Nearly one-third of the site will consist of green spaces, with mature trees, shrubs, and perennial planting lining the riverfront, streets, and courtyards. Blue-green infrastructure – including green roofs, rainwater retention systems, and sustainable stormwater management – will help cool the urban environment, support biodiversity, and improve the district's resilience to climate change.
Equally important is the neighbourhood's connection to the surrounding city. Nová Zbrojovka will open up what was once a closed industrial site, creating new pedestrian and cycling routes, including links to the Svitava River, while providing excellent access to both public transport and the road network.
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| Nová Zbrojovka places nature at the heart of the neighbourhood | Trees, shrubs, and flowering plants will become an integral part of the riverfront, streets, courtyards, and green roofs |
Architectural Diversity Shapes a Vibrant Neighbourhood
High-quality and diverse architecture has been one of our priorities from the very beginning. Our vision is to create a lively district that is defined not only by its community life but also by its architectural character. More than ten architectural studios are already involved in designing the individual blocks. Each brings its own distinctive style, creating a neighbourhood with a natural diversity and a unique identity. Landmark buildings at key locations will also serve as visual reference points, making the district easier to navigate.
Our inspiration comes from successful contemporary urban districts in France, Germany, and Vienna. However, our goal is not to replicate international examples. Instead, we adapt proven urban planning principles to the local context while respecting the unique industrial heritage of the former Zbrojovka site. Several historic buildings and the iconic chimney of the former Kotelna have been preserved, while some of the new buildings also draw inspiration from industrial architecture and its timeless aesthetic.
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BREEAM Communities: International Recognition Confirms Our Commitment to Sustainability
The Urban Development Project of the Year 2026 award is not the only recognition Nová Zbrojovka has received recently. At the end of last year, the project achieved BREEAM Communities Outstanding certification with an exceptional score of 90.8%, placing Nová Zbrojovka among the four highest-rated urban districts in the world.
The British BREEAM Communities methodology provides a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of large-scale developments, evaluating everything from energy performance and resource management to social and economic impact, as well as the long-term quality of the built environment. This certification confirms that the principles guiding the development of Nová Zbrojovka meet the highest international standards.
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| Nová Zbrojovka is being designed with the quality of life of both current and future generations in mind. | The historic Kotelna, together with its iconic chimney, is being carefully preserved. Once restored, it will retain its unique industrial character. |
This Award Belongs to Everyone Shaping Nová Zbrojovka
We see the 2026 Urban Development Project of the Year title above all as recognition of a shared effort. It belongs to the architects, engineers, construction teams, partners, and colleagues who are helping transform this former industrial site into a thriving urban neighbourhood. We would also like to thank the City of Brno, the Brno-Židenice district, and the expert jury for their trust and support. Most of all, however, our thanks go to everyone who has become part of the Nová Zbrojovka story. We look forward to continuing this journey with the ambition of creating a neighbourhood that will become a natural part of Brno for generations to come.
