Stir up Brněnec!

TUL - Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Architecture

Project idea

The main idea is to transform the premises of Schindler's Ark into a comprehensive cultural and residential area. This transformation includes creating a museum and memorial site, a leisure activity park, a cultural center, and a residential district. The design aims to preserve the original industrial hall structure, improve connectivity with new bridges, and enhance community life with pedestrian zones, a library, and a safe, car-free central street.

Project description

The proposal for modifying the premises of Schindler's Ark involves creating a museum and memorial site highlighting the area's textile production history, the Low-Beer family, and WWII events. The main industrial hall was originally a spinning mill with a 50x150 m floor plan. The design adheres to this grid to a certain extent and continues to work with it.

The design includes a leisure activity park situated between two elementary schools, intended for local residents and students. The park will have quiet zones near the museums, transitioning to more active areas, and will adjoin a new cultural center, craft workshops, and museum complex.

A significant feature of the design is a proposal to bridge the river and railway to improve connectivity and reduce walking distances. The residential district extends north from the cultural zone, featuring a pedestrian and cycle path connecting two factory areas to Brno's existing structure. The district's center will house a library serving as a community hub, promoting cultural life in Brněnec. The commercial street north of the library will offer various amenities, while a quieter residential street to the south will provide a peaceful neighborhood. The central street will be closed to cars, creating a safe play area for children, and the area will include an elderly home surrounded by a forest park.

Technical information

The preservation of existing buildings prioritizes maintaining their original authenticity, necessitating minimal structural modifications. The design adheres to traditional construction materials, specifically utilizing reinforced concrete frames and brick linings. For newly designed structures, such as the extension of the cultural center's hall, the use of translucent materials is employed to create a light and natural aesthetic.

The southern section of the project integrates multiple facilities, including a library, a retirement home with 34 units, and residential buildings accommodating a total of 122 apartments. Furthermore, the project encompasses parking solutions and provides rentable ground-floor spaces designated for new retail and service establishments.

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