In the Czech Republic, the sleepy town of Litomyšl now has a new landmark: a striking lookout tower crafted from two reclaimed shipping containers. Designed by Atelier-r, this structure offers sweeping views over the town’s castle, the rolling countryside, and the surrounding forested hills—all while blending sustainability, art, and tourism.
Design That Elevates Simplicity
- The tower is built just off a hiking trail, part of Litomyšl’s “Destinations of Journeys” project, meant to draw people deeper into the rural surroundings.
- One container lies horizontally to form a viewing deck; the other stands vertically as the tower’s core.
- To keep things low-impact, the team added reinforcements and stairs, mounted both units on a concrete base, and left the containers in their original weathered gray finish—logos and all.
Vision, Ethics & Reversibility
Atelier-r didn’t just want a nifty structure—they aimed to make a statement:
- Reversibility was a guiding principle: the lookout can be dismantled and the site restored if ever desired.
- They kept the containers’ industrial aesthetics intact, believing reuse over replacement is part of ecological responsibility.
- Architect Miroslav Pospíšil said their aim was to create a “sculptural object with an engaging function,” one that calls people toward it while respecting its surroundings.
What You’ll See From Up Top
During clear days, the lookout treats visitors to:
- A panorama of Litomyšl Castle (UNESCO heritage)
- Views over the town’s rooftops, church spires, and forested ridgelines
- An immersive sense of place: combining rural landscape, heritage, and human craft
