New Post Office Branch Říčany

ASSIGNMENT
Proposal for a new branch of Czech Post in the former gallery spaces. The investor placed particular emphasis on the architectural concept of the public space and on working with interior elements with minimal construction interventions.

CONCEPT
We placed post counters in the vaulted space in such a way that they do not visually divide this space and it retains its generosity and traces of history. The old and the new are clearly separated.
The design was based on the needs of the original post office branch in Říčany, which was forced to leave its previous premises. We derived the principles of postal operation ergonomics from the manual of Czech Post; however, we transformed it materially into a new form corresponding to the investor's vision – the municipality of Říčany near Brno.
Thus, we avoided unnecessary construction interventions and practically relied only on interior modifications. The heating of the area with radiators at the counters is supplemented by an electric mat. The lighting is designed to avoid interfering with the historical vaults while ensuring comfort for working at the counter. The original flooring has been preserved and supplemented with a cleaning mat at the entrance. The elevated level of the counters is covered with natural linoleum.
Extremely stressed work surfaces are made of HI-MACS artificial stone with consideration for future possible maintenance; the work desks are made of HPL laminate. The inserted information areas use bulletin board linoleum. The main material of the internal fittings is natural beech veneer on boards, with edges treated with layered natural veneer edge banding. The outdoor sills and thresholds are crafted from diamond-patterned sheet metal.
As part of the interior reconstruction, new wooden windows and doors were installed in this part of the building with regard to the overall context of the historic object, which is still awaiting comprehensive reconstruction.
Every architectural work conveys a message about people, society, their values, and direction. Hopefully, the message in this small municipal realization is clear.