The scheme proposes several small-scale design interventions to create a sequence of events that amplifies livability in the square. These episodic moments include a suspended canopy that extends the farmers market into Roman Square, a figural gate with restaurant frontage to the inner residential block, and a vertical garden wall—the latter providing landscape and ecological services in an otherwise hard-surfaced public space. The main visual element of the square is a topographic excavation of the western edge, revealing the 13th century cellars. These cellars are ubiquitous in the city center; however, their presences are hidden from view and remain inaccessible to residents and visitors. The proposal provides a unique opportunity to bring the preservation of the city’s cellars to the forefront as a catalyst for regeneration. Instead of new construction, the proposal utilizes incremental developments and latent assets to reunite disjointed functions within the square.
Client
City of Brno, Czech Republic