Mendel Square

Circle, new trees and barrier-free public transport stops. The square is one of the three busiest public transport hubs in Brno. Tram, trolleybus, city and regional bus lines cross here. The Augustinian monastery, where Johann Gregor Mendel discovered genetic principles, also stands in close proximity. The new public space – a red-paved circle – adopts the colour of the bricks of the monastery walls and the neighbouring Gothic Basilica of the Assumption. Its circular shape makes the central part of the square visible and understandable from all angles. Unlike linear shapes such as a square or rectangle, the circle does not favour any direction, allowing people to move through Mendel Square in any direction.
The legacy of the scientific work of J. G. Mendel is evident in the new form of the square thanks to specially cultivated tree species that are suitable for an urban environment. Thanks to their clever root system, these trees retain more water, provide shade and have become new green lungs in the centre of Old Brno.
The public transport stops are now barrier-free and significantly more visible. The modernisation was carried out by CHYBIK + KRISTOF studio in cooperation with Michal Palaščák’s workshop, which will continue the revitalisation, traffic engineers from PK Ossendorf and the landscape architect Zdeněk Sendler.
Environmental Sustainability: The addition of new trees, carefully selected for urban environments, contributes to the project’s ecological sustainability. Their smart root systems retain water, helping to reduce flood risks and improving the quality of the urban environment. They have become new green lungs, contributing to better air quality in the heart of Old Brno.
Social Sustainability: The installation of barrier-free public transport stops ensures better accessibility for all residents, including those with limited mobility. This enhances equality and inclusivity in public space.