Reconstruction of the Grand Cinema in Zlín - competition results

1st place
Author: re:architekti studio
Architects: Michal Kuzemenský, David Pavlišta, Ondřej Synek, Jan Vlach, Jiří Žid, Michaela Hudečková, Vojtěch Ružbatský, Dušan Sabol, Alžběta Widholmová
Landscape architecture: Symbio studio (Pavla Drbalová, Marie Gelová, Sandra Chlebovská)
Construction: Excon (Vladimír Janata, Jindřich Syrovátka)
Acoustics: Petr Novák
Traffic engineer: Květoslav Syrový
Fire protection: Jan Trafina
Operation consultant: Jiří Sulženko
Abstract: We consider the strongest "image of the house" to be its original state from 1932. We appreciate its simplicity and functionality. We want to return these qualities to the cinema. This means cleansing the exterior of the house from modern layers and returning to the original volumetric clarity, revealing the size and structural simplicity of the original hall. The new Large cinema operates on two halls – one for 210 seats and another for festival 900 seated cinema viewers. Both multifunctional halls have a flat floor, can be divided, have good acoustic conditions, various uses, and can be used in parallel, independently. A truck with a trailer can access the large hall. Sliding windows are supported by an independent load-bearing structure so as not to burden the historical structure. Given the dimensions of the windows, they are equipped with a system of counterweights and electric motors for manipulation. The Large cinema has sufficient background capacities. This constellation allows for continuous operation, where daily small events occasionally alternate with large events. Life in the Large cinema is supported by a generous café in its foyer, which opens onto a terrace in front of the cinema during the summer months. The Large cinema also offers several studios for recording, animation, photography, and offices for employees or for rent. The space in front of the cinema concentrates movement and life in the square. At the edge, one sits, looking out onto Tomáš Baťa Street, there is café seating on the terrace, one can play on the terrace, and there is a view from the terrace. Such places are scarce in Zlín.
Jury's evaluation: A brave and imaginative contemporary reinterpretation of the legacy of modern Zlín architecture. A consistent universalist concept with great flexibility of use for cultural and commercial programs. In this sense, it references the original intention of Gahura's building. The house is a machine for program creation – it offers two main spaces, a smaller hall for regular (daily) use and a universal large hall for space-demanding events. The main mass of the hall is reduced by the inserted mass of the second hall, thereby reducing the overall size of the space, but its width proportion including the entire span of the heritage-valued structure is preserved. The design is well thought out in terms of the load-bearing structure and allows for other variants that can lead to successful implementation while preserving the load-bearing function of the existing structure. The operation and supply of the building are excellently resolved. The possibility of opening the large hall to the exterior further emphasizes the original intention of the building as a covered public space. Thus, the main hall can be immediately involved in the events in the square, fundamentally opening the spectrum of possible uses. The generous opening of the entrance façade suitably articulates the intention to create an accessible public space for everyday use that communicates with the square. Leveling the terrain in front of the main entrance creates an adequate entrance forecourt, formally clearly defined, yet still a part of the typical spacious area to the north of the Large cinema. The proposal actively approaches heritage protection in the sense of a dialogue between the old and the new: new layers are represented by engineering solutions or functional innovations – the elevator and the opening/glazing of the façade at the front and side elevations. The ambitious project also demands a lot from the operator, as it requires their active participation. In terms of stage technology, the design presents a thoughtful and functional solution for the arrangement of spaces and transportation of technology for productions. The large hall features a corresponding and effective solution for retractable elevation. The small hall is an ideally proportioned space for small theater productions of all genres, conferences, etc. The elevation of the small hall is constructed from practice boxes, which represents a certain time-consuming aspect. The design is realistic in terms of technological equipment and technology cost budgets.

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2nd place
Author: Építész Stúdió
Architects and landscape modification: Tamás Fialovszky, Gergely Kenéz, Iván Nagy, Katalin Varga
Construction: Dezső Hegyi
Mechanical engineer: Zoárd Mangel
Acoustics: Csaba Huszty, Tamás Illy
Fire protection: György Decsi, Endre Ihnátisin
Abstract: The original austere Gahura building was almost as simple as a "mathematical formula." After reconstruction, the Large cinema should be a much more complex place, a meeting place where citizens can not only be entertained, but sometimes surprised or even provoked. The most important element of this design is a new elongated volume that asymmetrically divides the space into two parts. Both are multifunctional halls but differ in size and offer different possibilities. Their character also differs, the first is open (transparent) and the second is closed. Both newly created spaces have direct access from the original hall. The original hall should remain the usual everyday entrance, while the second proposed entrance should serve more formal events and function as a "festival entrance." The inserted volume has three floors and contains the main vertical circulation core inside. The first floor includes internal entrances to the main hall. The second level is multifunctional and can be divided as the main auditorium. The upper floor is service-related. While we divided the interior into two parts to create the hall, the open lobby extends toward the city with a new public space under the pine trees. Existing pines create a unique atmosphere for the terrace. Under the pines, there are various uses of space from café terraces to children's playgrounds and outdoor seating for children. The new open space – "urban living room" – is a space for communication with the city.
Jury's evaluation: The design pragmatically inserts a solid block into the cinema hall space, dividing it into two parts: new entrance spaces and a longitudinal hall, which can still be divided as needed. In the context of other designs, this specifically asymmetric approach offers the creation of a very attractive foyer, which is operationally and visually connected to the eastern forecourt of the cinema. The creation of a cascading covered "living room" is perceived very positively from the standpoint of everyday use of the building. A significant benefit of the design is the revival of the adjoining outdoor space towards Hotel Moskva and the Department Store. Generous glazing of the eastern façade simultaneously draws attention to the events inside the house. The blending of the terrain from the exterior to the interior invites efforts to expand activities from the foyer interior to the exterior. However, the new organization results in an undesirable spatial and user asymmetry of the building. The preference for the new entrance from the eastern side conflicts with the importance of the original entrance to the building from the northern side from Náměstí Práce. The proportions and depth of the large hall also raise questions, which are limiting for the cinema's function, as well as the feasibility of the current use of smaller halls after their division. Despite the fact that the original structure can remain due to the inserted reinforced concrete block, the grandeur of the Large cinema dissipates with its transverse division, and the overall span of the heritage-valued structure can no longer be perceived. In terms of stage technology, the design offers good variability for space division. A thoughtful and practical way of assembling and retracting the auditorium seats is proposed. If the auditorium seats are folded in elevation, a second set of furniture will be necessary for the other proposed layouts, which increases the demands on storage space, and the time and personnel costs for reconstructions are significant. There will also be high financial demands regarding the technological solutions.

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3rd place
Author: A B.K.P.Š
rchitekti: Martin Kusý, Pavel Paňák, Matin Kusý ml., Róbert Bakyta
Collaboration: Tatiana Kuva, Ľubomíra Blašková, Michal Pacher, Richard Kereškényi, Mária Horváthová, Dominika Húdoková, Ján Křižík, Stanislav Žaludek
Construction: Elter constructions (Ladislav Tausinger)
Acoustics: Euroakustik (Pater Zaťko)
Heating, ventilation, cooling: Roman Kajan
Building physics: Miestor (Tomáš Horák)
Fire protection: Satpro (Juraj Sádecký)
Abstract: The unique value of Gahura's original concept is the simple logic of integrating the slope into the character of the interior space. In this design, both topographies coexist in the hall. The original one – coming from the outside – is renewed in both the exterior and interior. Another value is the contrasting appearance of the large subdued volume, supported inside by a delicate structure. The exposed structure again becomes a defining feature of the hall. This design attempts to thematize the fact of the permanent variability of the façade throughout nearly nine decades of the history of this architecture, as well as the variability that is the essence of its new (old) program. With some exaggeration, variability can be considered the "truth" of this building. The new façade announces current events in the house to the city while simultaneously hinting at the imprint of its original form. The space in front of the façade of the Large cinema is conceived as a multipurpose area for various possible scenarios. It is a space for stay as well as a transit area. A gradual penetration of walking and grassy areas connects the entrance area of the building with its park forecourt.
Jury's evaluation: The design represents a sensitive, almost craft-like renewal of the Large cinema. All new architectural inputs are consistently subordinated to the original architecture of the object. It allows the space of Gahura's cinema to resonate in the full breadth of its auditorium. A benefit of the design is the generous festival cinema with adequate pre-spaces. The object, after restoration, features a large auditorium and spacious entrance foyer, which can be divided with movable walls if necessary. The transformation of the house into a contemporary public building is suitably highlighted by a proposed semi-transparent wall placed above the entrance, which becomes the main communicator of the building's program. The surrounding area offers two complementary types of spaces: a generous approach area and an intimate piazzetta that communicates with the Department Store, Hotel Moskva, and the Market Hall. However, the usability of the entrance spaces for some operations is debatable. The entrance's intricate foyer has the ambition to absorb a large number of users and various activities, but at the same time does not offer a comfortable link to the background and mainly lacks an adequate clear height for the necessary range of activities. The object does not offer space for projections or smaller concerts with a capacity of up to 200 people. The building itself and its restoration have become a priority at the expense of consideration for current social demands. There is also a significant risk associated with the uncompromising plan to maintain, locally supplement, and reinforce the current ceiling structure, which is now in an unsatisfactory condition. The design is based on maximizing the preservation of the structure with minimal interventions. However, the starting points of the approach are somewhat unclear from the committee's perspective, as they are in relatively fundamental conflict with the executed expert assessment. The chosen path is commendable in terms of heritage protection, but with unclear outcomes. In terms of stage technology, the main hall features good proportion and variability. The routes for transporting furniture and decorations to the stage and throughout the building are well thought out.

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4th place
Author: Petr Hájek ARCHITEKTI
Architects: Petr Hájek, Martin Stoss, Nikoleta Slováková, Benedikt Markel
Construction: František Denk
Acoustics: AVTG (Karel Motl)

Abstract: We consider the beautiful and characteristic silhouette of the Large cinema to be its fundamental quality. Our goal is to restore the historical object in its simplicity and shape purity while supplementing it with a new layer of contemporary architecture, provided that the maximum of the original structures and details is preserved. The aim is to design a building with sufficient flexibility and capacity for hosting the desired cultural events while respecting the original architectural and urban values. After reconstruction, the cinema will feature a small hall, a large hall, and small conference spaces with a total capacity of around 1000 seats. The large hall is a universal space with variability in the interior space and variable acoustics. The small hall is representative with a breathtaking view of the city of Zlín and its landmark, Building No. 21. In the exterior, we propose a single significant intervention in the form of a glazed wall. The wall is shaded by a screen onto which projections can be displayed in the evening. In the evening, the interior of the small representative hall shines through the screen. During the day, the screen is opaque and appears as a solid wall from distant views. Outdoor modifications recall the original historical solution. We maintain the main entrance at its original location at the front of the building and establish a terrace above it. In front of the building, a small rectangular square is designed, serving as a versatile social and public space.
Jury's evaluation: The design respects the original mass of the object and represents a relatively economical renewal of the cinema. The dominant element articulating the transformation and change in the use of the object with a contemporary architectural language is the full-area glazing of the northern façade. The existing structure is stabilized by installing a new structure inserted into the level of the existing roof, eliminating its load-bearing function while allowing it to be preserved within partial modifications. The suitable combination of a small and large hall creates the potential for optimal user comfort in normal operations as well as during larger events. However, a fundamental drawback is the closedness of the object towards its surroundings at the ground level and the too deep, dark, and mono-functional foyer with a relatively low ceiling from the perspective of everyday use. Some inadequacy arises from the toilet blocks between the hall and corridor, which limit the possibilities for using the spaces around the hall. In terms of stage technology, the design presents an interesting concept for variable acoustics of the main hall and features an effective solution for retractable elevation for the large hall. The design represents a possible solution for the variability of the main hall, if the retractable stage floor were to have mechanical drive – it is variably mentioned but not included in the budget. The conference room is designed without elevation and worse visibility must be taken into account for the audience.

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5th place
Author: ov architekti

Architects: Štěpán Valouch, Jiří Opočenský
Collaboration: Romana Bedrunková, Marek Kohout, Ondřej Králík, Jakub Neumann, Františka Podzimková, Viktor Žák
Technical solution: M3M
Construction: Marcel Vojanec, Excon
Acoustics: Aveton
Abstract: The Large cinema – a lapidary "box" in the slope – conceals its quality in directness and efficiency, reflecting Baťa's idea of the right ratio of price/performance/value. The task and priority of our work is to cleanse the house of layers that change its essence. At the same time, the proposal should prepare the cinema for operation in the coming decades, partially for a different building program and at significantly better standards of use than ever considered for the house. Into the originally cleansed empty shell of the building, we propose a new insertion of the hall, which can be called "box in box". The new hall is reduced and can offer various forms of arrangement: from a large cinema to a conference to a smaller cinema space. The hall is surrounded all around by a flowing space that includes a café, a conference room, and spaces for temporary exhibitions or seasonal markets and other events. The interface between the hall and the terrace is soft, partly made up of a solid wall and partly by curtains, which create an acoustic and light filter while also allowing variable use of the space. The architectural language of the added layer is meant to be direct, uncomplicated, without effects but with spatial effect and generosity.
Jury's evaluation: The design respects the original mass of the object and brings a sophisticated solution. At first glance, the remarkable "box in box" offers a fairly flexible spatial solution. However, the concept is spatially too demanding and inappropriately occupies the original generous spaces of the Large cinema, creating difficult-to-use corridors on both sides of the large hall. The use of the elevation of the main hall for expanding the background of the secondary hall is interesting. The benefit of the proposal is the orientation of the second hall towards the previously only utilitarianly used southern façade. However, from this side, the space is significantly limited by the requirements of transportation service for Hotel Moskva. Nevertheless, the identity and spatial qualities of the original architecture are lost. The elevation of the building due to the addition of a new load-bearing structure above the majority of the original roof is also debatable. In terms of stage technology, the design presents a simple solution but at the expense of low variability in the arrangement, particularly in the lower part of the auditorium and the adjacent solid stage.

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6th place
Author: Christophe Hutin Architecture

Architects: Christophe Hutin, Stéphanie Gasparini, Antoine Mounier
Collaboration: Eva Pavlečková
Construction: CESMA
Graphics: KUBIK
Budget: Kateřina Bačová
Abstract: The Zlín cinema occupies an important place in the history of the city. Our design is based on continuing the distinctive history of this building. The goal of the renewal of the Large cinema is to make this cultural place accessible again. The degree of accessibility depends mainly on the ability to adapt the cinema to various programs, different capacities of visitors, all times of day, and seasons. We propose the entrance for visitors to the Large cinema as individual sequential sequences – first the visitor finds themselves in the space in front of the building, then they pass under a covered entrance and enter the hall through glazed doors. Thanks to the enlarged entrance, a more favorable space for the movement of visitors between performances and during discussions is created. We placed great emphasis on the reference to František Lýdie Gahura, namely to the projection hall. We preserved the original roof structure in its original condition as a reflection of the radiant history and technological advancement of the time. We also respected the internal volume of the building, which we do not change, as well as its central function – the large hall. Our proposal focuses on the relationship of the building to the public space and the cultural program, as well as addressing technical issues in relation to the heritage protection of the house. We consider the revitalization of the cinema as another stage in the life of the building, which is of fundamental importance for the inhabitants of Zlín.
Jury's evaluation: The proposal features a generous hall with an impressive opening to the terrace above the entrance. A positive aspect is the interesting and simple concept of arranging space within one hall, utilizing either the entire hall or an intimate auditorium arrangement. The authors structurally solved the stabilization of the original construction thanks to a new superstructure on the roof. A negative aspect is the deformation of the original mass of the object: the increased ceiling due to its reinforcement and the expansion of the entrance wing. The object has a large hall but lacks suitable spaces for smaller events. The supplementary program (conference rooms) is scattered and access is complicated in various parts of the building. The impressive opening of the northern façade above the entrance is attractive, but would be difficult to apply in real operations outside of a film festival. Questions remain regarding the previously contested arrangement of windows on the side façades. In terms of stage technology, it represents an interesting and simple concept for the arrangement of space within one hall. The disadvantage is the variability of the lower part of the auditorium, which will require greater time and personnel effort for reconstructions.

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