The Brno-Lesná housing estate could become a heritage zone

Brno - People from Lesná in Brno are striving for this oldest housing estate in the city to become a protected zone. The reason is the fact that it has the largest amount of greenery of all the housing estates in the country. The status of a protected zone would protect Lesná from further development, activist Martin Maleček told ČTK today.
    Support for the intention was gained by the people from Lesná at the Ministry of Culture already in 2004. However, since then, nothing has changed. This situation is expected to change with a planned meeting on Thursday between citizens, preservationists, representatives of Brno, and the ministry.
    The Lesná housing estate, which is home to approximately 15,000 people, was established in the 1960s and 70s. According to architects, its design is absolutely extraordinary. It was created following the model of the Finnish town of Tapiola near Helsinki.
    The advantage of Lesná is that it is set within extensive greenery. The massive panel houses with views of Brno are therefore situated in essentially a peaceful park full of greenery. Over the past 40 years, the trees have grown so much that they overshadow many of the houses.
    "It was an architectural premiere and farewell in Bohemia and Moravia. Similar housing estates have not been created due to a lack of space," Maleček explained. Lesná could lose its uniqueness if it does not obtain the status of a protected zone.
    The discussion about Lesná obtaining this status began years ago in connection with the planned reconstruction of the Obzor civic amenities center. It is supposed to be significantly expanded and transformed into a complex with approximately 150 apartments. According to the residents of Lesná, this would devalue the entire housing estate architecturally.