Reconstruction of the functionalist bus stop by architect Oskar Pořísky in Brno at the Grain Market

The stop was designed by architect Oskar Poříska in 1926 and features typical characteristics of early functionalist architecture. Oskar Poříska, whose 120th birthday was celebrated this year, was a significant architect from Brno, among whose works are the Convalaria Palace on Česká Street, the City Accommodation Office now Čedok on Nádražní, the Bishop's Gymnasium on Barvičova, and a villa on Hroznová Street, the colonnade in Luhačovice, etc.

The project aimed at restoring the stop in terms of its original use, that is, as a shelter for public transport. Given that the stop, although protected as a monument, had not been maintained for 90 years, a survey of the structural condition of the building was conducted, revealing the critical state of all concrete structures, making further use impossible. The proposed restoration project considered the maximum possible preservation of the original substances of the stop's structure while adhering to all current normative requirements. The restored shelter replicates the original shape and materials precisely. The restoration did not include the reconstruction of the underground part of the restroom for financial, hygienic, and operational reasons. The underground section was preserved in its surrounding walls. The beginning of the reconstruction was carried out by a construction company that did not adhere to the prescribed static solution and was dismissed from the project by the investor. Subsequently, the reconstruction continued with the company Tocháček.

In terms of static solutions, three central parts of the shelter were preserved - vertical walls and part of the shell. Two supporting ribs were added, not disrupting the silhouette and shape of the shell. The shape of the original cornice and its thickness were preserved, and a new ceiling was created over the underground part. The external plinths and the edge of the shell were finished with a layer of ground and, in the back, pumiced artificial stone, while the other parts were coated with smooth lime-cement plaster and a white glossy paint. The steel structures were refurbished and based on stratigraphic research, were coated in their original colors. The side glass panels were fitted with clear safety glass. The original doors to the telephone booth were refurbished. A console bench made of red artificial stone is installed in the shelter, and the wall above the bench is lined with tiles made of white reflective glass in the original format. The floor steps are finished with a surface of ground artificial stone and embedded with glass concrete units with dilatations made of brass strips.

A new recessed LED strip was installed in the upper inner edge of the shell, illuminating the shelter's space in the evening hours. The rear staircase was cleared, and the openings were filled and covered with a surface of concrete tiles.

Currently, there is no known similar example of the existence of this type of functionalist monument. The restored stop will become another contribution to the attractive heritage of Brno's functionalist architecture.

photograph: Bořivoj Čapák