Minister Herman expressed support for the declaration of a heritage zone in Lesná

Brno - Minister of Culture Daniel Herman (KDU-ČSL) today during his visit to Brno advocated for the declaration of a conservation area in the local Lesná housing estate. According to Herman, the unique urban complex deserves protection from further development. On the other hand, it is important that life in the oldest housing estate in Brno does not turn into a dead zone, Herman told reporters.
    "The Brno branch of the National Heritage Institute sent a specific proposal to the ministry this week, which we will address. We will comment on it in the coming months, but it is not possible to specify a concrete date,” Herman stated.
    The Lesná housing estate is home to 15,000 residents and has the most greenery of all housing estates in the country. It was created in the 1960s and 1970s, modeled after the Finnish town of Tapiola near Helsinki. According to architects, its appearance is absolutely extraordinary.
    According to Herman, Lesná corresponds with world architecture of a unique character and it is appropriate to preserve it. "We must approach the area with respect. It would not be wise to disrupt the urban units with any inappropriate construction and high-rise buildings that do not fit into the surroundings. However, it is not possible to immobilize the lives of the people. It is necessary to protect the place from inappropriate interventions, but not at the expense of the residents,” Herman warned. He added that the ministry will negotiate about declaring a conservation area in Lesná with the district, the city council, and also the South Moravian Region.
    The advantage of Lesná is that it is set within extensive greenery. The massive panel buildings overlooking Brno are essentially situated in a tranquil park. Over the past 40 years, the trees have grown so much that many of the buildings are now shaded. "It was an architectural premiere and finale in Bohemia and Moravia. Similar housing estates have not been created since due to a lack of space,” explained activist Martin Maleček.
    However, Lesná could lose its uniqueness if it does not obtain the status of a conservation area. Discussions about it began years ago in connection with the planned redevelopment of the community center Obzor, which is to be expanded and transformed into a complex with approximately 150 apartments. According to the residents of Lesná, this would devalue the entire housing estate architecturally.