"Cuts: Reflecting Jewish Life

Project idea

"Drawing inspiration from the fractured memories and ruptures in Jewish life during the
Holocaust, our design for the Museum of Survivors in Brněnec presents a compelling
representation of resilience and the indomitable human spirit.
At the core of our design are concrete slabs that serve as a metaphorical representation
of the ruptures that Jewish life endured throughout the years of persecution and
suffering. These incisions symbolize the wounds inflicted by the Holocaust.
By means of light and shadow, visitors are encouraged to engage with the historical
context as they traverse these symbolic incisions.
The objective of our design is not merely to document the past; it is also to establish a
connection between the past, the present, and the future. This is achieved by
maintaining the memory of the past and learning from history. It is a space for reflection
and togetherness that encourages visitors to take a stand against intolerance and
injustice.
The "Cuts: Reflecting Jewish Life" project aims to create a space that highlights the
humanity and resilience that persists in the face of adversity and shapes the world
forever.
Who saves a life, saves a whole world.

Project description

A fundamental objective of our project is to instill a sense of optimism in the city by
revitalizing the former factory area. The objective is to transform the site into a space
that serves as a testament to the past while simultaneously fostering economic and
social growth. This will be achieved by creating new job opportunities and enhancing
interpersonal connections. The project integrates a community hub, coworking spaces, a
cafeteria, and a textile factory with the objective of providing employment opportunities
and encouraging community engagement.
Furthermore, we prioritize enhancing mobile connectivity through a mobility hub
including means of transportation such as trains and busses for public transportation, as
well as bike stations. In addition, the creation of avenues for residents and visitors will
facilitate the interaction and collaboration. This integration of contemporary
infrastructure guarantees that the museum is not merely a site of remembrance but also
a beacon of prospective possibilities. It serves as a pivotal component of both historical
reckoning and future development, fostering a community that values reflection,
learning, and growth.
The Schindler's Ark Building is dedicated to the survivors of the factory, with a particular
focus on their experiences of living, working and enduring in the facility. Upon entering
the exhibition, visitors are greeted with an auditory presentation featuring interviews
with survivors who express feelings of relief, stating, "We felt warm." The exhibition
guides visitors through the journey from Auschwitz to Brněnec, or alternatively, directly
to Brněnec, emphasizing the route to salvation.

Technical information

The Ark Building will undergo a comprehensive insulation and external renovation
process with the objective of enhancing energy efficiency and preserving its structural
integrity. All buildings will be made fully accessible, thereby ensuring barrier-free entry
and movement throughout the site.
The design incorporates concrete elements that symbolize historical ruptures, cast into
precise incisions within the existing structures. In advance of or concurrently with the
aforementioned renovations, selective demolition will be conducted in order to prepare
for the subsequent construction phases.
The Community Hub and the new façade for the cafeteria will be constructed anew,
incorporating contemporary architectural principles and sustainable materials.
The damaged masonry from the site will be meticulously recycled and pulverized,
allowing the reclaimed materials to be integrated into the renovation of the façade. This
sustainable approach not only preserves the historical essence of the original structure
but also significantly reduces waste, thereby contributing to the broader objective of
reducing the environmental impact of construction projects.
Moreover, the Bubble Deck technology will be employed in the concrete modules with the
objective of reducing material usage and enhancing structural efficiency. The
incorporation of plastic bubbles within the concrete slabs serves to reduce the quantity of
concrete required for construction without compromising the strength and durability of
the finished product. This innovative technique ensures resource efficiency and is in
accordance with our commitment to sustainability.
The final stage of the project will concentrate on the landscaping of the surrounding
plaza, with the objective of creating an attractive public space that is integrated into the
overall design.
Furthermore, a ticket office will be established, providing a centralized location for visitor
services. This phased approach guarantees that each component of the project
contributes to a unified and functional entity, reflecting both the historical significance
and the future-oriented vision of the Museum of Survivors in Brněnec.

Documentation

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