Revitalization of "Roman Square" in Brno - 1st prize

The intention of the proposal is to create a functional urban space, an area for pedestrians that allows passage between the surrounding shopping streets while also offering a reason to stop. It is important to preserve the historical character of the site, the atmosphere influenced by the proximity of the church and the adjacent monastery, and related to the enclosure, but also the accessibility from the surrounding streets. The revitalization of the place is proposed through the use of existing and designed structures in infill spaces that define the area
and by incorporating new functions, elements, and activities. The square should function as a vibrant urban space, while the inner courtyard is to be a place for relaxation.
The functionality of public spaces is closely related to the purpose of the buildings that define them. The Roman square and Františkánská street are defined on the southern side by the wall of the monastery, which does not engage with urban life but creates a valuable historical backdrop and gives the place a unique character. The square utilizes the ground floor of the buildings on three remaining sides, which include restaurants, cafés, and shops, with a semi-public area of garden seating connecting to them
and cafés. The new structures respect the existing historical plots, scale, and subdivision of the surrounding historical buildings. The objects at the mouth of Františkánská street (A) and Josefská (B) narrow the passage and enhance the enclosure of the square. Connections through passages from Masarykova and Orlí streets (House at the Stone Virgin) are preserved and integrated into new objects (C,D). The inner courtyard belonging to the houses on Orlí street is separated from the square by a passage in the children's center building (D).
By inserting solid elements, the square is divided into areas designated for different activities. At the frequently used passage to Josefská street, a drinking fountain is proposed. A bench is placed under the existing large tree. Another tree with seating is proposed near the corner of the department store Josefínka. The southern part of the square is enlivened by a water feature against the backdrop of the historical monastery. Three water jets at pavement level are accompanied by three stone blocks referencing the historical portal of the monastery. Water will flow down a very gently sloped pavement; during the cold part of the year, the water feature will not be visible and will not divide the square. At the beginning of Františkánská street, an artistic feature allowing seating is placed.
The ground floor of the building at the mouth of Františkánská street (A) includes an entrance to the historical underground beneath the square. The entrance space should also contain an exhibition on the history of the site. The new basement for the buildings is designed with respect to the historical underground spaces.
The square's surface will be paved with smaller granite cubes with a rough surface, interrupted by strips of smooth granite blocks in connection with the ground floor of the buildings. Drainage of the square's surface will be provided linearly at the transition between the uniform pavement and the pavement interrupted by strips. Given the various activities the square allows, the paving across the entire area will be suitable for vehicular access.
Lighting of the square will be done with street lamps along the extension of the entrance from Josefská street and along the western side of the square. The eastern side of the square will be illuminated by fixtures on the façades of the buildings, as well as the area around the drinking fountain and the entrance from Josefská. Františkánská street will be lit by fixtures hanging on cables across the width of the street. Special lighting at the three stone blocks will highlight the entrance to the monastery and the water feature. The statue in the niche of the church wall on Františkánská street will also be illuminated.
The inner courtyard is complemented by a multifunctional building (C) in the infill on the eastern side and the children's center building (D) defining the southern and western sides. The children's center building facing the square creates a new entrance to the passage to Masarykova street and a passage to the inner courtyard. The center is a place for children's activities, a maternal center, and related services, such as childcare. Due to the need for parking for residents, underground parking with an automated stacking system is proposed. The parking access is combined with a relocated transformer station and covered with earth. The resulting terrain creates space for relaxation, a children's playground, and greenery.
The removal of the temporary clinic building, which could be relocated to one of the proposed structures, would benefit the inner courtyard. This would create the opportunity to increase green space in relation to the residential building and extend the children's center throughout the western length of the courtyard or expand the underground parking.

SCENARIO FOR THE USE OF THE AREA THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
The open space of the square and the arrangement of solid elements allow free passage between the adjacent shopping streets, the holding of small markets in summer and winter in the northern part of the square, or directly on the main area. Storage for sales stalls is possible in the adjacent building (A). A stage can be placed in the southern part of the square - the jets of the water feature at pavement level do not present an obstacle. In the winter season, the square's space can be used for an ice rink, in the summer for sports activities.