Mendlovo Square in New - a bustling traffic hub will transform

Long-neglected Mendel Square in Brno is set to undergo extensive changes. Architects from the Chybik+Kristof studio, together with the author of the future reconstruction of the square, architect Michal Palaščák, will take charge of the project. The appearance of Mendel Square will be transformed by a red-paved circle, new trees, and barrier-free stops. The square will serve as a venue for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of the founder of genetics, Johann Gregor Mendel, so the work is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2022. The co-author of the concept is the Office of the Architect of the City of Brno. In 2018, after the completion of an urban and architectural competition, it proposed a concept for the square's modifications that could be implemented even before the complete reconstruction of the square.

Mendel Square is one of the three busiest hubs for public transport in Brno. Tram, trolleybus, and city and regional bus lines intersect here. Also in its immediate vicinity stands the Augustinian monastery, where Johann Gregor Mendel discovered genetic principles. The new public space – a red-paved circle – will draw inspiration from the color of the bricks of the monastery walls and the neighboring Gothic Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. "Thanks to its circular shape, the central part of the square will be visible and understandable from all angles. Unlike linear shapes such as squares or rectangles, the circle does not favor any direction. People will be able to move in any direction on Mendel Square,” explains the project leader, architect Šárka Kubínová from the Chybik+Kristof studio.

Dignified public space
The reference to the scientific work of J. G. Mendel will be evident in the new design of the square thanks to specially bred species of trees that are suitable for urban environments. Additionally, these trees will retain a larger amount of water through a smart root system, provide shade, and become new green lungs in the center of Old Brno. “We want to create a functional public space from Mendel Square. We will modify the stops so that a space for relaxation and culture will be created in the middle. It is an internationally significant location; it should not only serve as a transport hub. Mendel Square should be dignified, representative, and welcoming to people,” explains architect Michal Palaščák. However, transport will not disappear from the square – the stops will be newly barrier-free and significantly clearer. The modernization is being carried out in collaboration with the Chybik+Kristof studio and includes Michal Palaščák's workshop, which will continue in the revitalization, as well as traffic engineers from the PK Ossendorf company, landscape architect Zdeněk Sendler, and the Office of the Architect of the City of Brno.

Repairs before future reconstruction
The transformation of the square was initiated by the Office of the Architect of the City (KAM) in 2018. After the urban and architectural competition, it proposed a concept for modifications that could be implemented even before the complete reconstruction of the square. “Since the establishment of KAM, we have strived to improve the condition of Mendel Square. We want to enhance the experience of people in the square. Three years ago, we prepared a conceptual competition that provided a comprehensive solution for the space. However, it depends on a fundamental change in transport that will take decades. Therefore, we presented a study on partial modifications last year,” says KAM director Michal Sedláček and appreciates the start of the modifications of Mendel Square. A key task for the Office was to propose a change in the transport solution for the square that prioritizes passengers and visitors. The change primarily relates to public transport and the parking of buses that occupied a lot of space.
“Traveling will be more comfortable, safer, and barrier-free. We explored the possibilities of planting new trees and expanding areas for activities such as markets. We proposed a reduction of visual smog by merging traction poles with public lighting, unifying bus stop shelters, and furniture,” lists specific changes David Zajíček, head of the Public Space Department of KAM.

New statue and restored greenhouse
The modifications to Mendel Square are expected to be completed in time for the 200th anniversary of the famous founder of genetics. By the end of summer 2022, the square should become a fully-fledged public space with trees and barrier-free stops. It will also feature a new statue of J. G. Mendel, for which a competition for its creation is currently underway. Concurrently with the square, the architects from the Chybik+Kristof studio will also complete the restoration of Mendel's greenhouse in the nearby monastery garden.