WHAT IS BRNO? Modern architecture - TIC BRNO - Go To Brno
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
TIC BRNO ↓ WHAT IS BRNO? Modern architecture
01 “White House” –
Administrative building
14 Bohunice Hospital
(Nemocnice Bohunice) WHAT IS BRNO?
Modern
of the Communist Party
(„Bílý dům“ – Administrativní 15 Hotel Myslivna
budova Městského výboru
KSČ) 16 Brno Reservoir
02 Hotel International
17
(Brněnská přehrada)
Lužánky Municipal Swimming
Pool (Plavecký stadion
architecture
03 City Market Hall
(Městská tržnice) „Za Lužánkami“)
04 Janáček Theatre 18 TESLA Sports and Swimming
(Janáčkovo divadlo) Centre (Sportovní a plavecký
areál TESLA)
05 Hotel Continental
19 Brno-Židenice Funeral Hall
06 Prior department store (Smuteční síň Brno-Židenice)
(Obchodní dům Prior)
20 Hády Transmitter
07 Zvonařka Central Bus Station (Vysílač Hády)
(Autobusové nádraží
Zvonařka)
08 Hala Rondo
09 Ingstav
Giving the blanket term Modernist the Modernist mind-set and so-called
10 Brno Exhibition Centre to the architecture that emerged techno-optimism, combined with
(Výstaviště) between the years 1945 and 1989 central planning, were determining
would be just as inaccurate as la- factors for many of these structures.
11 Tram bridge over Veletržní belling it “communist” or “socialist”. Their frequently lambasted “dehu-
Street (Most tramvajové From the end of World War II up until manisation” and memories of the po-
dráhy ve Veletržní ulici)
the Velvet Revolution, Brno witnessed litical regime under which they were
the building of huge quantities of res- erected have played a role in the re-
12 Hotel Voroněž
idential properties, numerous cultur- jection by today’s society of the
13 National Centre for Nursing al, sporting and recreational build- values that inform these buildings.
and Paramedical Fields ings or complexes, as well as public Maybe this brochure will contribute
(Národní centrum buildings and technical structures. to people rediscovering a path – both
ošetřovatelství Despite originating behind the Iron literally and metaphorically – back to
a nelékařských Curtain, the variety of their stylistic the architecture of the second half
zdravotnických oborů) range stands in comparison with the of the 20th century.
creative output of contemporaneous
worldwide architecture. Nonetheless,
Brno Architectural Manual (BAM): Architecture Guide 1945–1989 The Brno Architecture Manual (BAM) is of a smart phone to get information about a project aiming to popularise architecture the site, or listen to its story, right outside and present it directly on the city’s streets. its doors. These trails through the city also Its website contains an open database (for come in paper form – a printed leaflet with experts and the general public) of architec- a map and an architectural guidebook. tural works. In the form of short descriptions Brno’s interwar architecture is so far the and downloadable audio clips, you can find only period to have been comprehensively concise sketches of a site’s history, the cir- documented in this way. Currently, the post- cumstances of its development, the stories war era through to the Velvet Revolution of its owners and of course the architects. (i.e. the years of the communist or socialist The signs on the pavement in front of the political regime) is being processed in the relevant building provide information. They same way. contain the building’s code and the particu- lar web page, making it easy with the help www.bam.brno.cz
01
MIROSLAV SPURNÝ, FRANTIŠEK JAKUBEC (1974—1976)
”White House“ –
Administrative building
of the Communist Party
The headquarters and administrative almost sculptural quality of other parts of
centre of the Communist Party were the building. In the two massive cylindri-
often critically regarded by the general cal towers are located glazed stairwells.
public thanks to the building’s political Tumbling out like a contorted tube into the
and social role. Notwithstanding, it is an square is the conference hall. After 1989
exceptionally high-quality example of the administrative building was repurposed
Modernist architecture in Brno, which as a health centre, and the former offices
moreover was creatively responding to of the CPC committee have been trans-
contemporary trends from abroad. The formed into surgeries for paediatricians. In
architects ingeniously combine the pure addition to medical uses, the building also
forms of the office-block “panels” with the hosts cultural events and café society.
Žerotínovo náměstí 533/6, Brno-město
02
VILÉM KUBA, MIROSLAV KRAMOLIŠ, ARNOŠT KREJZA AND OTHERS (1958—1962)
Hotel International
The boom in Brno trade fairs during the with the façade bisected by horizontal and
1950s precipitated a demand for new vertical lines and overall colour scheme are
hotel capacity. Hotel International was characteristic of the so-called Brussels
the first and most distinctive response. Style (referring to the Brussel’s World Fair
The plan was to erect a prominent archi- of 1958). As the hotel took form, the build-
tectural feature on this showcase site in ing’s interiors and exteriors were adorned
the city’s historic centre, a new building with exceptionally rich decoration, on
which would of course still respect the which participated artists who had lately
neighbouring townscape. To prevent any presented works at the Czechoslovak pa-
overt clash with the neighbouring histori- vilion in Brussels. These days, as a result
cist palaces, it was set back from the line of the hotel recently losing its protected
of the street and conceived essentially monument status, individual artworks are
as a horizontal “panel”. The distinctive gradually disappearing from its premises.
V-shaped awning, supported on pillars and The future fate of this uniquely preserved
extending out from the building, together building similarly hangs in the balance.
Husova 200/16, Brno-město
03
EMANUEL HRUŠKA, VILÉM ZAVŘEL, MICHAL PALAŠČÁK (RECONSTRUCTION)
(1947—1950)
City Market Hall
The year-round shopping complex, de- the suspended glass façade, which simul-
signed for the convenient purchase of taneously offered a panoramic view over
foods, filled a gap on the northern side the historic square. After changes that
of Vegetable Market Square. The covered saw the House of Food and Vegetables
market was officially opened in 1951, i.e. relegated to a standard shopping centre,
in the depths of the Stalinist regime, with aesthetically diminished by insensitive
an unresolved food crisis and officially reconstructions and general decay, the
sanctioned socialist realism. Despite such building was returned to its original func-
unpromising forces, the building still drew tion in 2017. The reconstruction swept
upon Brno’s strong inter-war function- the building clean of its poor-quality
alist traditions. The reinforced concrete structural accretions, reopened the cov-
skeletal construction meant that the re- ered walkway on the ground floor, and
tail areas could be left as free, open and so linked the Vegetable Market Square
unified spaces, powerfully lit thanks to with Starobrněnská and Radniční streets.
Zelný trh 325/18, Brno-město
04
JAN VÍŠEK, VILÉM ZAVŘEL, OTAKAR OPLATEK, IVAN RULLER,
LIBUŠE ŽÁČKOVÁ POKOROVÁ, BOLESLAV PÍSAŘÍK (1960—1965)
Janáček Theatre
The form adopted for the home of gaining traction after the success of
Brno’s opera and ballet was preceded Czechoslovakia’s pavilion at Expo 58,
by 50 years spent searching for the what Czechs call the “Brussel’s Style”.
right architectural expression, each vi- As the project developed, the style and
sion succumbing in turn before changing layout of the theatre underwent a series
stylistic, operational, cultural and po- of improvements – the lightening of the
litical demands. The tide finally turned heavy mass of the glazed walls, or the
with the design competition of 1956, i.e. merging of the originally separate public
at the tail end of so-called socialist re- areas into a single spacious whole, for
alism. The resulting design bore signs example. The entrance and the public
of Neoclassical monumentalism as well spaces are some of the most architec-
as a new trend in architecture that was turally successful parts of the theatre.
Roosveltova 31/7, Brno-město
05
ZDENĚK ŘIHÁK (1961—1964)
Hotel Continental
This was another of the hotels erected to spectacularly appointed using a range
provide extra accommodation for trade of natural materials, and, in the spirit of
fair visitors. The restricted plot of land – the Brussels’ Style, are complemented
an old estate built for manual workers – with vibrant hues of latex paints. From
determined the subsequent shape of the today’s perspective, the hotel can be
building, which had to rise high if it were to characterised as a representative work
achieve the required capacity. The result of architecture that weaves elements of
was a building with a Y-shaped ground the international and Brussel’s styles,
plan (a popular design at the time), rising thereby illustrating the era in which it was
15 storeys to a height of 56 metres. The built, when Eastern Bloc architects could
Continental dramatically rewrites the city at last draw freely upon the priceless
skyline and has become an indispensable heritage of pre-war architecture and on
feature of Brno. Despite their modest contemporaneous movements beyond
size, the public areas of the hotel are the Iron Curtain.
Kounicova 680/6, Brno-město
06
ZDENĚK ŘÍHÁK, ALOIS SEMELA, VLADIMÍR KOVAŘÍK (1974—1984)
Prior department store
As demand for more modern forms of re- was originally given over to a restaurant
tail and shopping experience grew, so did and factory canteen. The uppermost
the need for a new department store in floor with its apprentice workshops and
Brno. With the Prior department store, the offices was visually accentuated with
very progressive approach taken by the concrete cells. The current appearance
architects allowed for the maximum num- of the Prior owes itself to reconstruction
ber of different types of goods, access works in the 1990s, carried out according
by car, a simple-to-understand variable to the vision of architect Jan Melichar
layout, as well as separate public and and the original design. Today the build-
internal operations. The ground floor up ing is unable to meet the requirements
to the third floor was originally intended of our consumerist society and despite
for various retail outlets, while the large its indisputable architectural quality it is
terrace area could be accessed by the threatened with demolition.
public from the first floor. The third floor
Dornych 404/4, Brno-Trnitá
07
(1977—1985)
Zvonařka Central
Bus Station
Built to replace the cramped bus station stage of construction, which envisioned
opposite Hotel Grand, since 1978 Zvonařka a tower block to house the Czech State
has been Brno’s main bus station. The Bus Transport authority (ČSAD) as part
trussed construction of the roof is an of the planned southern centre never
essential ingredient in creating what first materialized. The station today bears
appears as an exceptionally Brutalist signs of long-term neglect, as well as
building. Whereas all of the stops are a series of poorly conceived structural
arranged beneath the roof, its upper interventions. Let’s hope the imminent
surface provides parking spaces for renovation restores the building’s quality.
up to 90 buses and coaches. The last
Zvonařka, Brno-Trnitá08
IVAN RULLER (1971—1983)
Rondo
This multipurpose circular hall was pri- shadows gathering over the day – pro-
marily built to host winter sports, but ducing an impressive three dimensional
could also accommodate other uses. quality. Situated at a busy crossroads,
Thanks to its visible, monumental steel the 7000 spectator capacity hall creates
roof structure, with its 65 m diameter, a powerful and unmissable landmark,
the interior acquired a distinctly techni- despite only rising to the same height
cal flavour. The architect used variously as the blocks of flats in its immediate
sized white glazed panels for the ex- vicinity. Today it serves as the city’s pri-
ternal cladding around the Rondo’s cir- mary ice hockey venue, although many
cumference, giving the building an ele- of the original architectural details are
gant curvature and – combined with the now tarnished by advertising billboards.
Křídlovická 911/34, Staré Brno09
IVAN RULLER (1968—1970)
Ingstav
The administrative building of the State of understated aluminium profiles. Del-
Construction Enterprise excels in terms icate upon the eye, the transparency
of structural and technological innova- and smoothness of the façade contrast
tion, the sophistication of its layout, the with the concrete fire escapes and the
fine art conception for the façade ma- massive projecting reinforced concrete
terial, and the natural conversation be- awning. In the post-revolution years nu-
tween artworks in the building’s exteri- merous modifications for the new era
ors and interiors. Guided by a clear vision were realised in the office building. The
to insulate the offices from sounds of original equipment was removed, the
the neighbouring busy road, and aim- original façade glazing was substituted
ing to create more favourable climatic for glass with a darker tint, and the ex-
working conditions, Ruller erected in terior of the building and its immediate
front of the building’s steel construc- vicinity are currently swallowed up un-
tion a second façade entirely created der a visual smog of advertising.
from glass, suspended on a grid-work
Vídeňská 546/55, Brno-Štýřice10
Brno Exhibition Centre
The exhibition centre was opened architectural landmarks. Over the follow-
in 1928 to mark the 10th anniversary ing decades the exhibition centre was
of the founding of the independent used ever more intensively in presenting
Czechoslovak state, and later caught Czechoslovak international trade, and in-
a second wind in the mid-1950s, when creasing the amount of exhibition space
Brno began to host its world-famous en- became essential. The exhibition halls
gineering fair. This era is associated with B, C, Y and Z are only the most striking
a remarkable construction boom – not examples of this rise in capacity, and
only for the exhibition grounds them- which together with the multi-storey
selves, but for the city more generally. As administrative building have become
part of improving the tourist infrastruc- a symbol of Brno trade fairs. More infor-
ture, several hotels were constructed mation about individual exhibition halls
that still number among Brno’s important can be found in a separate TIC brochure.
Výstaviště 405/1, Staré Brno11
FRANTIŠEK KOČÍ, ING. VAŇOUS – STATICS (1965)
Tram bridge over
Veletržní Street
From its inception right up until today, aesthetic quality. Technically the bridge
getting to Brno Exhibition Centre by public is interesting for the variable thickness of
transport has primarily been achieved on the girder, which changes as it stretches
the tram network. After relocating the from the back wall of one abutment to the
original tram depot from the Brno brew- other, with the narrowest point lying at the
ery over to Veletržní Street, to speed up centre, where the clearance is greatest.
the network a prestressed reinforced 9 Its uniqueness rests in the remarkable
m wide concrete bridge was built, span- angle of rise, which made construction and
ning the road beneath without a single resolving the static design a demanding
pier. Its elegant curvature, echoing the task. Despite the challenge, however, the
composition of the main entrance to the bridge has remained in good technical
exhibition grounds, gives it a tremendous condition without requiring serious repair.
Veletržní/Křížkovského, Staré Brno12
JÓZSEF FINTA (1977—1979)
Hotel Voroněž
The hotel’s planning and execution frieze – a strip that breaks up the build-
was rapid thanks to the prefabricated ing’s uniform monotony, as does the sus-
parts imported from the then Hungarian pended loggia, whose metal components
People’s Republic. The already outmoded were originally painted blue and ochre.
panel type was adapted to construct Owing to its location, with easy access
a hotel. The entrance part is supported onto the motorway and ample parking
by a two storey steel framework fitted capacity, the hotel became very popular
with prefabricated elements, built into during socialism with “motorised” visitors.
which are the communal areas with the Not only during its early years, but later too,
entrance hall and other operational facil- thanks to its generously appointed interi-
ities. The second wing, containing guest ors and services on offer, the Voroněž was
rooms over ten floors, comprises panel regarded as a luxury hotel. However, its ar-
parts based upon a single layout module. chitectural impression of austerity, owing
Onto the prefabricated elements of the to its prefabricated construction, found
façade, the architect applied a decorative little favour with some Brno residents.
Křížkovského 458/47, Staré Brno13
VLADIMÍR SELZER (1965—1969)
National Centre for Nursing
and Paramedical Fields
By thrusting the 100 m-long main corpus building continues to serve its original
of the residential wing block out towards purpose – accommodating and teaching
the Brno Exhibition Centre below, the nurses and paramedics. Unfortunately,
architect found an extraordinary solution sunbathing and view-gazing from the
for this sloping parcel of land in one of originally accessible roofs are no longer
the city’s residential quarters. His de- available to current residents. This is
cision gave the building a twelve metre one of Brno’s most distinctive Brutalist
height difference between its northern structures, the face of which creates
and southern sides, while simultaneously a gigantic cantilever that distinguishes
providing users with an astonishing view and edifies the building’s architectural
over the expansive valley. Today, the expression.
Vinařská 893/6, Staré Brno14
MIROSLAV SPURNÝ (1968—1989)
Bohunice Hospital
The creation of a modern medical cen- offices, laboratories and operating thea-
tre had been a burning issue right back tres. The main pavilion was conceived
to the inter-war period. The green-field as a monumental eighteen-storey block.
plots alongside the transport corridor to Its dominant expressive feature are the
Jihlava had long been earmarked for the regular bands of the geometric grid, with
concentrated delivery of healthcare to its transparent window sills and chest-
the city’s residents, as well as for train- nut-tinted sunscreens. The endless
ing new doctors and conducting medi- repetition and gigantic proportions give
cal research. The first of the specialist the hospital its monumental character.
medical centres to be finished was the Also imposing are the twin, sculpturally
gynaecological clinic, whose architec- formed staircases. In fact, the project
tural concept linked up with the central as a whole was never fully completed. It
building of the main pavilion. Alongside is well worth seeing, however, not least
the 1000+ beds, here were workplac- because the architectural rendering has
es of specialised departments, admin been preserved more or less intact.
Jihlavská 340/20, Brno-Bohunice15
JAN DVOŘÁK (1969—1987)
Hotel Myslivna
In view of the accommodation shortage in guestroom part of the hotel is oriented
a trade fair city, plans were drawn up to towards the forest park and lookout point
build new guest facilities close by a res- above the city. The aesthetically pleasing
taurant popular with day-trippers – the façade, on which the nearby branches
Myslivna (built in the 1930s by architect are mirrored in the tinted glass, is one of
Bohumil Tureček). The prospective ho- the building’s most charismatic qualities.
tel’s usage and technical requirements The hotel’s internal fittings combine both
were constantly revised, until the three- mass-produced and originally designed
star international hotel finally – also called period accessories, as well as numerous
Myslivna – opened its doors some twenty artworks. The older parts of the building
years later. In response to the contours are furnished thematically, with some of
of the terrain, the old and new parts of the space given over to “hunting kitsch”
the building are rotated towards each (myslivna means “gamekeeper’s lodge”).
other, and the lower building links to
the reception and conference hall. The
Nad Pisárkami 276/1, Brno-Kohoutovice16
Brno Reservoir
Originally just a water management the embankments and basic infrastruc-
structure, built from 1936 to 1940 (the ture were developed. The greatest con-
dam was designed by architect Jaro- struction boom occurred in the 1960s
slav Grunt), it became a popular site for and 1970s, when most of the large-scale
relaxing and walking shortly after the accommodation facilities as well as hol-
Second World War. With the change of iday cottages and chalets were erected,
regime after 1948, the significance of and the level of service provision upgrad-
what had become known as the “Brno ed. The attraction of the reservoir and
Sea” rose rapidly – now it would acquire the resulting building activity continues
the status of a metropolitan leisure re- unabated, although the original appear-
sort. With volunteer brigades at the ready, ance of the buildings is in slow decline.
Přístavní, Brno-Bystrc17
OTAKAR OPLATEK, FERDINAND LEDERER – ROOF (1967—1979)
Lužánky Municipal
Swimming Pool
The “swimming stadium” was designed The exposed construction elements of the
on three different operational levels to building are written large in bold gestures
take account of the terrain. The architect upon the external façade, and have be-
situated the main entrance on an elevated come the building’s architectural signature.
terrace, granting visitors direct access Similarly expressive is the forceful slope of
to the central hall. From there the public the spectators’ grandstand, or the curve
and athletes could make their way to the of the cylindrical bulge of the trussed
changing rooms or buffet, with its gener- roof. The maximal use of glass sought to
ous view of the main pool. Visitors could conjoin the covered hall with the summer
either continue upstairs to the spectator lido, which – as with many other projects in
grandstand, or descend to the first floor, to this locality – was never ultimately realised.
the little paddling pool and service rooms.
Sportovní 486/4, Brno-Královo Pole18
VIKTOR RUDIŠ, DAGMAR GLOSOVÁ, ZDENĚK MUSIL (1973—1982)
TESLA Sports
and Swimming Centre
The indoor swimming pool and sports their local neighbourhood. In this case it
centre is situated beneath a suspended was the Lesná housing estate (1961–1970),
cable roof, constructed in the iconic form much acclaimed and awarded for its archi-
of two “levitating” waves. The monumental tecture and urbanism, especially thanks in
glazed side walls and the aperture run- part to the emphasis given by architects
ning just below the roof ensure sufficient to its non-residential buildings, so-called
natural light enters the interior, which is civic amenities. One particular merit of the
artistically adorned with glass mosaics and estate is its layout, which does not have
ceramic tile cladding. It was built with the any regular scheme but responds to the
assistance of the Tesla national enterprise, character of the landscape and terrain –
and was part of the longstanding, weekly the Čertova rokle Park. The result is wide
“Z” campaign, in which local residents parkland amid rising tower blocks.
volunteered to build public amenities for
Halasovo náměstí 826/7, Brno-Lesná19
IVAN RULLER (1977—1985)
Brno-Židenice Funeral Hall
The new ceremonial hall at the Židenice never realised, neither were the projected
Cemetery was built to satisfy a rising de- bell-tower or eternal flame. The dynamically
mand for civil burials of residents of the city raised roof-shape enriches changes in the
and other localities. It is situated beside light by adding rays from the southern sun.
the Akátky Forest Park, not far from the The uninterrupted windows around the hall
Modernist housing estate of Vinohrady. In link together the building’s interior and the
material terms its design stems from the surrounding landscape. These artistic ar-
idea of two worlds coming together – the chitectural ruminations are underscored by
world of the living (entrance area for the a series of artworks within and without the
public) and the world of the dead (technical hall. The complete absence of any regular
facilities). These two worlds merge in the and careful maintenance of the building, or
central and dominant space of the hall for remedying of faults or removal of vandalism,
a final farewell. A water feature, intended has caused the hall to fall slowly into di-
to bolster this notion with an allusion to lapidation. Steps are currently being taken,
classical mythology, was unfortunately however, towards its gradual restoration.
Komprdova 19–21, Brno-Židenice20
IVAN DÉRER, J. PALIČKA (1961—1964)
Hády Transmitter
The television and radio tower was built antenna. In recent years the transmitter has
according to a 1958 standard design for the been fitted with a fourth, metal platform.
purpose of extending broadcasting range The uniform mass of the tubular base is
and ensuring reliable signal transmission broken up by windows along the vertical
between older transmitters. This 50 m axis, lined with simple chambranles. These
structure was erected on Brno’s highest consolidate the tower-like impression of
point – the 424 m hill of the same name, the structure and make it look slimmer.
rising above a limestone quarry. Of archi- Although several of these mass-designed
tectural value is the tubular structure itself, structures are still in existence, the Hády
with its reinforced concrete rings, providing Transmitter is among the best preserved,
surfaces for siting antenna equipment. and is essentially unchanged since the
The roof also serves as a platform from 1960s.
which rises the truss structure of the main
Kanice 19517 18 20
16
PARK
LUŽÁNKY
19
5
15
1
MORAVSKÉ
NÁMĚSTÍ 4
2
NÁMĚSTÍ
13 SVOBODY
HRAD ŠPILBERK
3
10
6
11
BRNĚNSKÉ HLAVNÍ
VÝSTAVIŠTĚ NÁDRAŽÍ
12
8
7
9
14TIC BRNO ← GO TO BRNO.cz ← Text: Brno Architectural Manual (BAM) (BAM – Brněnský architektonický manuál) Conception: Šárka Svobodová Cover photo: Bohunice Hospital (Fakultní nemocnice Brno-Bohunice), Michaela Dvořáková Photo: Brno Architectural Manual (BAM) (BAM – Brněnský architektonický manuál), Michaela Dvořáková, Šárka Svobodová, National Theatre Brno (Národní divadlo Brno), Brno City Museum (Muzeum města Brna), F. Kressa, Brno City Archive (Archiv města Brna), Studio Flusser, Františka Uřičářová, Michal Jenčo, SkyPix This brochure was created with a grant from the South Moravian Region (grant programme: Support for Improving the Services of Tourist Information Centres in the South Moravian Region in 2020). TIC BRNO p. o. is financially supported by the statutory City of Brno. 2020 www.ticbrno.cz www.gotobrno.cz
You can also read
