Steps to the Forest ‑ Healthline Hodonín
The pedestrian route leading from Hodonín railway station to the House of Nature was transformed through a collaboration between the Karel Komárek Family Foundation, Gehl Architects, U/U Studio and the City of Hodonín. The project aimed to gradually improve the clarity and legibility of the space, strengthen people’s sense of safety and create new opportunities for the everyday use of the route and its surroundings.
About the Project
The urban designers approached the route as one continuous public space. They focused primarily on the quality of the environment, the integration of greenery and the creation of places for both short stops and longer stays. The design responded to climatic conditions, traffic and patterns of social interaction, while supporting natural movement through the city without reliance on cars.
The route includes three main zones: a safe space for teenage girls, a community area for everyday meetings in the central part of the route near the Marina department store, and a playful destination zone by the House of Nature.
The project transformed an ordinary journey into a pleasant part of everyday life in the city, whether on foot or by bicycle. It offers people a clear and inviting route that supports an active lifestyle and gives them another reason to spend time outdoors.
Cooperation with Gehl Architects
In 2026, the Karel Komárek Family Foundation formed a partnership with Gehl Architects as part of its long‑term effort to change the way cities approach public‑space planning. Gehl Architects is one of the world’s leading urban design studios and brings internationally recognised experience in creating people‑centred cities.
For the Foundation, the partnership provides an important opportunity to deepen dialogue with cities, experts and the public. It also makes it possible to bring new approaches into the Czech context and systematically contribute to the long‑term improvement of public spaces.
„We share the Karel Komárek Family Foundation’s fundamental goal of helping to create cities where people come first. We believe that our experience can help the Foundation significantly increase the positive impact that transformations of public space have on the everyday lives of city residents.“
Head of European Urban Development, Gehl Architects
„Our cooperation with the Foundation in Hodonín confirmed that involving local residents is essential to creating high‑quality public spaces. Observing and engaging in dialogue with people across generations helped us better understand their needs and ensure that the proposed solutions would genuinely serve them. It also showed us that even small interventions can have a significant impact on everyday life and people’s sense of safety in the city.“
Senior Project Lead, Gehl Architects
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