Adéla Mecová
student
FAST VUT - Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Department of Architecture
Czech Republic
Architecture
The theme of the studio work is the development of an architectural study for the restoration of the functionalist villa Wittal, built in 1932 according to the… more
Omar Harb
advisor
USEK - Holy spirit University of Kaslik
Lebanon
As an architect and founder of Omar Harb Architects & Associates, my work centers on creating… more
Narrative and Cultural Impact: The project successfully transforms a neglected interwar monument (Heinrich Bluma’s 1932 Villa Wittal) into the ŠTETL Jewish Culture Center. The transition from a private residence to a public cultural hub (café, library, exhibition spaces) is a strong social contribution.
Respect for Heritage: The strategy of "preservation-first"—respecting original paving, metalwork, and openings—is aligned with international monument care standards.
Programmatic Versatility: Integrating educational and community functions (workshops, lectures, concerts) ensures the building will be vibrant throughout the day.
The "Sensitive" Modern Intervention
Suggestion: When a project is based on "monument care," the biggest risk is being too passive.
Refinement: If there are new structural additions (like the café seating or the library furniture), ensure they are clearly "modern" in material but "functionalist" in spirit. Use the principle of Reversibility: any modern installation should be removable without damaging the historic fabric. Highlight this in your technical description to impress jurors specialized in conservation.
II. Enhancing Barrier-Free Access
Suggestion: Functionalist villas often have narrow corridors and steep stairs that are hard to make accessible.
Refinement: In your Archicad/BIM model, show the exact technical solution for the elevator or ramps. If you've managed to hide these modern necessities behind original partitions or used glass to make them "disappear," create a detail drawing showing this. The jury values the seamless integration of modern accessibility into historic sites.
III. Material Memory
Suggestion: The original details like metalwork are mentioned as a focus.
Refinement: In your Lumion/Chaos renders, provide "macro" shots of these textures (the original stone next to the new wood). This emphasizes the tactile quality of the restoration. Showing the "old" and "new" together in a high-quality close-up helps the jury appreciate the craftsmanship of your proposal.
IV. Energy and Sustainability
Suggestion: Interwar villas are notoriously difficult to heat and cool efficiently.
Refinement: Address the Thermal Envelope. Mention how you are improving insulation or windows without altering the thin profiles characteristic of functionalism. Proposing an "Invisible HVAC" system (like underfloor heating or heat pumps hidden in the basement) would show a high level of professional competence.
V. The "Dialogue" Render
Refinement: Create a "Day vs. Night" visual sequence. Show how the villa functioned as a closed home in the 1930s (day) vs. how it "glows" as a welcoming public community center today (night). This visual storytelling proves the project's goal of "breathing new life" into the building.
24.01.2026