Reconstruction of Čs. armády Square, Hronov

Concept of the solution — In all the modifications of the Hronov center, we adhered to the idea of continuity with the unparalleled interwar architecture of the town, which achieved a nationally high standard (architects: Josef Kulka – collaborator of Adolf Loos, Jindřich Freiwald – native of Hronov, Bohumil Šustr – then mayor of the town).
The concept of the pavement follows the spatial configuration of the individual corners extending from the main square (streets perpendicular to the river). These corners were translated into rectangles of different paving: 1/ smooth shot-blasted slabs (creating an expanded carpet from the stairs of the theater), 2/ split cubes 120 x 120 mm (all pedestrian areas), 3/ original cubes 180 x 270 mm (vehicle-accessible areas, parking lots). The main communication between Náchod and Police nad Metují leading through the town center had to remain with an asphalt surface. The entire square area was excavated to a depth of one meter to create a bearable structure with a more uniform surface for the smooth flow of pedestrian traffic. We deliberately used proven high-quality materials that have a long lifespan with lasting aesthetic value (granite – cladding, paving, exotic woods, lighting fixtures by Thorn and iGuzzini, selected furniture by mmCité).
Through the modifications, we created a variable, cohesive area for various social events. The sidewalks around the square were widened to better serve their purpose, including access for delivery vehicles. A generous staircase was newly created with an accessible walkway - a representative entrance to the Josef Čapek hall. This new platform in front of the hall is intended for a summer restaurant as well as for musical accompaniment for programs held in the square (marches of majorettes, speeches on the stairs of the Alois Jirásek theater). The carpet of smooth paving connects the theater with the main area of the square, where several meeting points have been created: 1/ benches near the column with directional signs, 2/ benches around the Marian column near the drinking fountain, 3/ seating under a row of trees supplemented with post lights. The intimate atmosphere of the square is enhanced by lights with a reflected light source.
With soft colors, we create a neutral background for the surrounding buildings and city life. The color scheme was inspired by the town's flag, which has three stripes: 1/ blue – gray-blue granite, 2/ white – petals of ornamental cherries lining the square in stripes, 3/ green - the color of tree leaves and extensive greenery.

Chronological development — We developed the study of the square's reconstruction for the city of Hronov in 2004. It is remarkable that throughout the entire preparation and realization, there were no significant changes to the proposed solutions. In 2005, we received the zoning decision and submitted documentation for the building permit, which was subsequently granted at the end of 2005. We created the project documentation for implementation in the second half of 2006. In the documentation, we divided the construction into three phases due to the feasibility of investment from the budget of the town with 6,500 inhabitants. The modifications to the square necessitated the relocation of one of the communication routes off the square area to achieve traffic calming. Therefore, in 2007, an independent reconstruction occurred on the adjacent streets Palackého and Kudrnáčova to create parameters for diverting class III traffic from the square. Only after this investment could our plan for the square modifications begin. In 2008, the town obtained a grant for the entire reconstruction of the square, as well as for the reconstruction of the entrance staircase to the A. Jirásek theater, the reconstruction of sidewalk bodies on Alois Jirásek Street, and for a new orientation system for the town. During the revitalization, the Road Administration and Maintenance of Hradec Králové Region undertook the reconstruction of the asphalt surface on Alois Jirásek Street. Outside the "Revitalization of the center of Hronov" project, we were simultaneously working on the reconstruction of the schoolyard fencing, including its furniture, the reconstruction of the yard of the house no. 3, the reconstruction of the Radnice restaurant, café, and wine bar, and new display boards for official notices. The city management secured another grant and concurrently reconstructed the Marian monument standing in the middle of the square. This led to the reconstruction of most public spaces in the center of Hronov.
The revitalization took place from autumn 2008 to autumn 2009. During these 15 months, Hronov gained a completely new identity, which would not have been created without the support of the city leadership – and especially Mrs. Mayor Hana Nedvědová.