Academic Square and the Phenomenon of Kraví Hora

Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts of the Brno University of Technology.
What is a university? An institution, but primarily a place for people to meet with the purpose of sharing and acquiring knowledge. At its core, a university is not based on a building perceived as a set of walls and ceilings; it operates on the principle of verbal exchange of opinions, discussion, and mutual inspiration. This formula can be generally applied to any academic field; however, we believe that in architecture and art, it takes on exceptional significance. Both fields work not only within closed studios; the main focus of work is studio creation. Communication from the beginning of the creative process to the final product is of utmost importance. The academic ground is not a priori a competitive battlefield; it is a place for joint work, dialogues, mutual influence, and endless inspiration. This may be the last time a person can open themselves up to colleagues working on the same project without any fear.
We are thus not creating a building for a university but primarily a place connecting teachers with students of all fields.
The theme of the competition, the project of a new building for the Institute of Forensic Engineering, but above all, the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Fine Arts in close contact gives us the opportunity to create a unique school not only within the Czech Republic, but also on a European scale!
After a thorough analysis of the location and its surroundings, we critically evaluated the spatial possibilities of the Academic Square area and concluded that the given plot cannot offer the qualities we require for the construction of a building filled with students who mix, randomly meet, and create together. The typology of the Faculty of Architecture and Art is distinctly horizontal, with meeting places in shared spaces. Therefore, we chose a radical approach, namely the relocation of these two faculties within the VUT campus at Kraví hora. We propose to design the USI in the assigned plot alongside a parking garage and a diameter stop.

The phenomenon of Kraví hora
The VUT campus at Kraví hora is currently an underutilized plot, and the existing buildings in the form of "likusáci" are at least striking. It is a plot on the edge of the broader city center, with a distant southeast view, amidst greenery and complete tranquility. It is almost unbelievable how a location accessible from the city center can have such a peaceful character.

Surroundings
The upper boundary of the plot is defined by the ridge of Kraví hora and the park stretching from the west.
The park area will undergo a significant transformation in the coming years, as there is an intention to create a sculpture park with installations from renowned artists. The northern, southern, and eastern boundaries are currently formed by gardening colonies. We believe that the modern city, growing not only outward but also inward, will absorb these private gardens within a few years.

Place
It is the gardening colony that gives the location a unique character. Particularly in the summer months, this area is bustling with people among the trees and greenery. Our task is to find a function that preserves the character of the area while effectively utilizing the potential of the place. We see public studios as the most suitable solution. Simple volumes amidst the existing greenery, functioning 365 days a year, seven days a week. Together with the sculpture park Kraví hora and the new building of the Faculty of Architecture and Fine Arts, we aim to create a new district in the city of Brno, an arts-oriented district.

Building
The concept is based on the aforementioned principle of dialogue among students. Through simple volumes, we define several types of spaces. From quiet spaces intended for work to public meeting places and intimate relaxation areas with views of the city and cushions for rest. We therefore offer various types of situations, random or targeted meetings, collaborative work, or individual relaxation. We do not perceive the Faculty building merely as a school; rather, we consider it a center of activity in the artistic district.
The entire school building is based on the principle of a clear operational definition of public and private spaces, yet visually the building operates as a whole. And not only on the floor level but also with the expanse of a green roof that serves as a seamless continuation of the Kraví hora park. Everywhere and under all circumstances, discussion and inspiration flow...
We find a blooming meadow to be the ideal place for discussions, where there is ample peace, light, and no physical obstacles whatsoever. However, the meadow ceases to be a meadow at the moment a discussion begins, transforming into an intersection of an incredible number of thoughts inspiring all participants. A society capable of discussion is healthy. The power of dialogue itself lies in the sharing and acceptance of another's ideas. Architecture and art are exceptional fields. One cannot master the entire subject in a single human life. Through dialogue, we gain additional years; we can simply grasp the tip of the iceberg of knowledge that the other has acquired through their own study.
The concept of the house itself is, at its core, a meadow.

Form
The form of the Faculty building is a circle. This is due to the significant unevenness of the plot and the density of the mature trees. If we consider the Faculty building as a center of activity in the area, its readability is absolutely necessary. It is precisely the architectural form that can enhance the perception of significance; the circle is inherently readable, simple, yet symbolically strong.

LET'S MAKE THE DREAMS COME TRUE...

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