Hotel Panorama / Zdeněk Řihák | Classics on Architecture Lab

Hotel Panorama is a Brutalist mountain hotel designed by Czech architect Zdeněk Řihák, was constructed between 1967 and 1970 in Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia. Originally built for the 1970 World Ski Championships, this remarkable structure was part of a broader initiative to develop the region into a prominent ski resort. Situated in the High Tatras at 1355 meters above sea level, the hotel quickly became iconic for its daring architectural design, characterized by its graded, widening façade that offered guests sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Despite significant alterations to its exterior over the years, Hotel Panorama remains a testament to the unique architectural ambitions of post-war Czechoslovakia. This project was emblematic of the transition from Socialist Realism to more expressive modernist forms, reflecting broader architectural trends in Eastern Europe.

The Hotel Panorama’s construction coincided with the 1970 World Ski Championships, a pivotal event that placed Štrbské Pleso on the map as a premier ski destination. The design, which drew inspiration from the local topography, mimicked the form of a ski jump and the rugged mountain massif, giving the hotel an almost sculptural quality. Řihák, influenced by his background in sculpture and his studies under Vincent Makovský, envisioned the building as an object that dynamically interacted with light and shadow, emphasizing its three-dimensionality.

Structurally, the hotel is a marvel of engineering, with its pyramidal shape seemingly levitating above the valley, supported by a complex foundation of twelve unevenly placed steel supports. The building’s core, along with two floors housing a bar and garages, rests atop these supports, allowing the main accommodation block to extend outward. This section of the hotel was designed with cascading balconies on one side, which accentuate the building’s verticality and create an elegant contrast to its massive form.

However, the hotel’s design was not without controversy. Its location within a conservation area and its multi-story height sparked debate among architects and planners. Despite this, the Panorama was celebrated for its innovation and was featured in the international architecture journal L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui. The hotel’s success in integrating with its natural surroundings while offering modern amenities underscored the dual objectives of enhancing tourism and showcasing the architectural prowess of Czechoslovakia during the late 1960s. The hotel was a key part of the government’s strategy to boost international tourism, thereby contributing significantly to the regional economy.

Over time, the Hotel Panorama underwent significant renovations, particularly to its façade, which was originally raw concrete but has since been covered with cladding and paint. Despite these changes, the building’s unique shape and its role in the development of Štrbské Pleso remain intact. Unfortunately, the original interior, which featured works by artists like Inez Tuschnerová and Rudolf Uher, has been lost to modernization efforts. This situation reflects a broader issue in post-socialist countries, where Brutalist architecture often faces neglect and inadequate preservation due to its association with the former regime.

The Panorama is part of a broader body of work by Řihák, who, during his tenure at the State Project Institute of Trade in Brno, contributed significantly to hotel architecture in Czechoslovakia. His projects, including the nearby Hotel Patria and the more controversial Labská bouda in the Krkonoše Mountains, reflect his innovative approach to design, often blending sculptural forms with functional architecture. Though many of his buildings have faced neglect or alteration, they remain important examples of Czechoslovak architectural history, illustrating the ambitious spirit of a bygone era.

Project Location

Address: Štrbské Pleso 4020, 059 85 Vysoké Tatry-Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia

Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.