Brno wants to renovate the ceremonial hall designed by the late architect Ruller

Brno - Brno plans to renovate the ceremonial hall in the Židenice district, designed by the late architect Ivan Ruller. The construction costs exceed 25 million, and an additional two million will be needed for the preparation of the project documentation, said Mayor's deputy Martin Ander (SZ) to reporters today. The hall is intended for ceremonies, but also as one of the tourist attractions.

The council approved the investment plan for the renovation today. The hall was built in 1983. Due to its poor condition, it was closed on January 1, 2007. According to Ander, the previous leadership of the ČSSD and ODS decided to demolish it, but the current city leadership composed of ANO, Žít Brno with the support of the Pirates, KDU-ČSL, the Green Party, and TOP 09 decided on the modernization of the hall.

According to Ander, it would not be good to demolish such an architectural gem, which people can visit, for example, like the Tugendhat Villa. "It is an architecturally significant building. We discussed its restoration with Mr. Architect Ruller before he passed away," Ander stated. He added that the reconstruction is a question for the next four years. The city could try to partially draw on subsidies for it, said Ander.

Architect Ivan Ruller passed away in March this year at the age of 91. His works include, for example, the Janáček Theatre or the Rondo ice rink. A complete list of works that Ruller contributed to the collection of modern architecture includes over 500 items. He was a student of Bohuslav Fuchs and Bedřich Rozehnal, and was strongly influenced by functionalism, modernism, and interwar culture in general, as well as French brutalism. Even at an advanced age, he remained active. He taught, designed, and commented on professional issues. He was involved in opposition to the relocation of the train station in Brno. Last year, his team won an architectural competition for the design of the Svratka waterfront transformation.