Dancing House, Deconstructivist office building in New Town, Czech Republic.
Two contrasting towers form the structure: a glass cylinder with curved forms and a concrete segment with perpendicular lines and supporting columns. The glass tower leans toward the adjacent concrete body, creating an illusion of movement. The construction rises on a corner along the Vltava River and departs markedly from surrounding historic buildings, establishing an architectural dialogue between old and new.
Construction took place between 1994 and 1996 on a site where a 19th century building had been destroyed during a US bombing raid in 1945. Czech architect Vlado Milunić collaborated with American architect Frank Gehry to create a structure marking Prague's transition to a market economy. The project received support from then president Václav Havel, who lived in the neighborhood.
Local residents initially nicknamed the structure "Ginger and Fred" after the famous dance duo, with each tower representing one dancer. The building sparked intense debate about modern architecture in Prague following its completion, as many residents and architects feared it would disrupt the historic cityscape. Today the structure serves as a landmark of democratic renewal after 1989 and a symbol of Czech openness to contemporary international architecture.
The structure stands at Jiráskovo náměstí 1981/6 and houses office spaces, a hotel with luxury suites, and a seventh floor restaurant with a viewing terrace. Tram lines 14 and 17 stop nearby at Jiráskovo náměstí station. Public access is limited to the restaurant and ground floor gallery, while office areas remain closed to visitors. Reservations are recommended for the rooftop restaurant, particularly during evening hours.
The construction consists of 99 differently shaped concrete panels, each with an individual form to create the characteristic dynamic movement appearance. This technical achievement required precise calculations and fabrication techniques, as no panel resembles another. Engineers had to develop special fixtures to stabilize the irregular shapes during installation and ensure the structural integrity of the entire building.
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