Reconstruction of the cinema in Brno

FAST VUT - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Department of Architecture

Project idea

The intention of the design was to bring new life to the former cinema, café and theatre. To adapt the building to today's needs, both operational and technological, to bring in a new generation of visitors and thus continue the tradition of this building. At the same time, emphasis was placed on the gentle restoration of the original elements, in such a way that the building tends as much as possible to the original appearance. The layout of the building has been simplified and made multifunctional so that the building can fully use all the functions that have alternated during its operation - cinema, café, theatre, conferences, lectures. In order to make this work, an extension was built to the building, which serves as a furniture store on the ground floor and as a rehearsal room for musicians or small stagiaire choirs on the first floor. The café has also seen an extension, in the design as a two-storey with a terrace and garden. The building retained a grand cornice where visitors can admire temporary exhibitions or use the space to relax. The stage has been expanded to include a side stage for easier movement of scenery during performances and also for more elegant movement of people. A movie screen is also placed in the stage area to complete the storyline during the theatrical performance or to show movies alone. In the visitor area, consideration has been given to people with limited mobility and orientation. Therefore, a ramp is set up at the main entrance and the ground floor and the first floor are connected by a lift.

**The cinema, café and former theatre at the Brno Exhibition Centre form an integral part of the rich cultural history of this place. Their roots go back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the exhibition centre was built as a centre of cultural and social events in Brno. The first film performances took place here already during the First Republic, when the exhibition centre became an important meeting place for film enthusiasts.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the cinema, the café and the former theatre became key points of Brno's cultural scene. In addition to film screenings, it also hosted theatre performances, concerts and other cultural events that attracted a wide range of visitors. The exhibition centre became a place where artistic creation and lively social life intermingled.

After the Second World War, the cinema, café and former theatre at the exhibition centre underwent changes. However, even today these spaces remain important cultural symbols of the city and efforts are being made to restore them.**

Project description

The building was treated as an important monument that should be properly cared for and every effort should be made to save its valuable elements. These certainly include the countless doors with ebony wood panelling, complemented by brass handles, nautical windows, several types of lighting, polished glazing, brass radiator grilles and the typical auditorium balcony. Elements that were badly damaged or are now significantly inadequate have been replaced with replicas of the originals in order to preserve the overall atmosphere of the building. In designing the extension, the overall external appearance and composition of the building was carefully studied to achieve a harmonious connection to the original façade. The most ideal solution was found to be the construction of a block building that would be connected to the northern façade while being slightly inserted between the existing projecting façades. Furthermore, the original brick facade, i.e. brick cladding with concrete support pillars, was applied. A flat roof with a projecting part copying the roof of the opposite side of the building was added. The only contrasting element is the modern windows, which form a horizontal band along the entire length of the extension.

The entire ceiling structure above the hall was found to be problematic. Unfortunately, it is significantly damaged and therefore does not meet the static requirements. It will therefore be completely replaced by a lightweight truss structure with a plasterboard ceiling.

Technical information

The reinforced concrete columns are based on reinforced concrete footings with dimensions of 1250 x 1250 mm, as documented by historical documentation.
The perimeter load-bearing masonry is based on 750 mm wide concrete strips. The internal load-bearing masonry is laid on 600 mm wide concrete strips.

Horizontal and horizontal structures The supporting structure of the ceiling and roof structure consists of reinforced concrete beams with a rectangular cross-section of 160×350 mm. The ceiling structure above the auditorium and the stage is unfortunately in a desolate condition and will have to be completely replaced. One option is to replace the ceiling structure with trusses, which will also create space for air ducts through the trusses

In the basement, the vertical structures are represented mainly by reinforced concrete columns with dimensions of 1000 x 450 mm, 450x450 mm, then by load-bearing masonry made of burnt bricks with a thickness of 450 mm.

On the ground floor, the vertical structures are again represented by reinforced concrete columns with dimensions of 1000 x 450 mm, which support the hall area and are arranged around its perimeter covered with wooden panelling. The 450 mm wide brickwork is laid on a masonry mortar. The partitions are 100 mm wide. Documented see the remediation carried out.

The construction will consist of 200 x 200 mm support columns with spans and reinforced concrete slabs. It will be based on piles.

Created in: