Revitalization of the Municipal Baths in Prostějov into a New City Library

Idea projektu

The project aims to revitalize the former Municipal Baths building in Prostějov by repurposing it as a contemporary public library combined with a community center. The design respects and accentuates the architectural values of the original structure, with particular emphasis on the spacious swimming hall, which offers unique views into the surrounding mature garden. The proposed intervention seeks to breathe new life into the historic building and open it to the public—serving both current and future generations of residents. The existing city library, which no longer meets spatial demands, is to be fully relocated into the renovated structure, consolidating all departments under one roof. In addition to its function as a library, the building is also envisioned as a vibrant community hub, offering clubrooms and flexible spaces for various educational, cultural, and social activities. The project site is located on the revitalized Florián Square, in the central part of Prostějov. A cycling path runs through the area, and a newly reconstructed bus stop ensures excellent accessibility for city residents, while also facilitating connections to surrounding public spaces. The building is oriented with its main entrance facing the square, thereby actively engaging with the public realm and contributing to its revitalization. At the rear of the building lies an underutilized garden space, which will be transformed with newly planted greenery, flower beds, and inviting reading zones featuring swings, deck chairs, benches, and a new pavilion. The garden will be accessible to the public within designated hours (e.g., 8:00–18:00), creating a new semi-public space while allowing for controlled access to prevent vandalism. An adjacent existing structure will be repurposed to house a garden furniture storage and a so-called “book exchange library,” offering a place for people to freely take or donate used books. In addition, the terrain at the back has been partially excavated to introduce daylight into the basement level and to create stepped seating areas for leisure and informal gatherings. The library connects to the garden through a covered terrace, next to which a seasonal café box is situated. This café could operate independently of the library, particularly during the spring and summer months, further enhancing the community-oriented character of the space.

Popis projektu

The building is designed not only to function as a library but also to respond to the needs of the local community by serving as a community center with clubrooms, halls, and various spaces suitable for workshops and activities. These spaces are planned to operate independently of the library, which is why all community center facilities are located on the basement level (-1). Each hall has access to preserved outdoor staircases that serve as emergency exits. A large gathering area and a kitchenette for light refreshments are also included. Due to the original, less-than-ideal access via a stairway to the basement, an additional flight of stairs has been incorporated into the existing staircase structure, leading directly into the corridor and enabling smoother circulation. The original stair, concealed behind a door, has been preserved and now leads to the technical room. The basement also featured varying floor heights, which have been utilized in certain rooms—for example, to create a small stage or stepped auditorium. A windowless space with columns in the center of the layout has been repurposed as a storage area connected to a new elevator, which links all departments and improves accessibility. The basement level is conceived with wider corridors to avoid narrow and dark passageways. These corridors open into a large exhibition space, which is visually and physically connected to the adjacent garden through stepped seating and large openings. On the ground floor (1st floor), near the main entrance, there is a book return and pick-up box. To ease movement for parents with children, a children’s hall is located directly off the entrance lobby. The floor is divided into two main zones: one for children and another for teenagers, each with separate entrances and service counters. Both sections are complemented by their own set of clubrooms. At the building's corner is a café that is connected to the library interior but also has a separate external entrance and independent facilities, allowing it to operate autonomously. From this floor, there is also direct access to the covered terrace and the garden. Using the main staircase or the new elevator, visitors can reach the second floor, which is dedicated to adult users. This level includes a large lending area with reading and relaxation zones, a clubroom, a computer room, and a recording studio. The original stairway to the former swimming gallery has been preserved and will now function as seating steps. This floor also houses the staff facilities and offices, accessible via a separate entrance on the eastern side of the building. A space for coffee vending machines is planned along the corridor. Thanks to the height of the original swimming hall, a loft has been added above the second floor, accessible by the new elevator and a single flight of stairs. The loft includes a seating area with armchairs and views over the hall, as well as access to a reading room with direct entry to a rooftop terrace.

Technické informace

The building's structural system is composed of a monolithic reinforced concrete frame. The interior ceiling features a wooden soffit with exposed timber beams, complementing the chosen material palette and contributing to the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the space. The original swimming pool area has been opened up to create a more fluid and airy spatial experience. The selected materials create a cozy yet timeless environment. The main flooring material used throughout the library is light grey rubber—a durable and sound-absorbing surface. The furniture is made of birch plywood, accented with subtle hues of terracotta pink and celadon green. In the former pool hall, the original double-layered windows have been preserved. The interstitial space between them will house climbing indoor plants, adding softness to the interior and further strengthening the visual connection with the garden and surrounding greenery. Solar shading is provided by a system of brise-soleil louvers, which serve both as functional sun protection and as a strong architectural element that visually unifies the building's exterior and interior. The façade design is articulated into two main parts: In the glazed areas, operable louvers are installed, allowing adjustable angling based on the sun’s position. This system ensures effective solar control, reduces overheating of the interior, and still allows for ample daylight to enter. In solid, windowless sections, fixed louvers are used primarily for aesthetic and compositional purposes, maintaining visual consistency across the building envelope. The louvers are especially prominent in the double-height glazed space of the former pool hall, where they are finished in a terracotta pink shade. This color is echoed in the interior, enhancing the visual continuity between exterior and interior spaces. On the façade of the second floor, a light wood finish has been chosen to soften the overall expression of the building and to create a warmer, more inviting character facing the public space. The brise-soleil system is combined with fixed triangular modules that symbolically represent the shape of an open book—further reinforcing the building’s identity as a public library.