Library and Community Centre Prostějov

Project idea

The subject of the studio work is the preparation of an architectural study focused on the conversion of the existing municipal spa building into a library and community centre. The aim of the design is not only to transform the internal of the building to fit the new function, but also to cultivate the adjacent park with an emphasis on its active involvement in the public life and natural connection with the new building. The building in question was built between 1958 and 1962 in close proximity to the Florian Square, with very good accessibility from the city centre Prostějov. The authors of the architectural design of the spa building were Vladimír Vychydil and Radoslav Malaska, the interiors were designed by architect Miloš Libra. The building is a fine example of architecture of the second half of the 20th century and bears distinctive elements of modernism of the time. Its cultural and architectural potential provides ideal conditions for a new public function that will reflect contemporary social and community needs.

Project description

The building is functionally divided into three main units. The basement functions as independently accessible floor with independent operation. The ground floor is the main public areas of the library, including the café, multifunctional halls and entrance areas. The first floor and a newly inserted loft then contains study rooms, offices, clubrooms and a continuation of the main departments adult and youth libraries. The original pool area was completely demolished and opened up across the floors, creating a generous multi-level space that forms the heart of the new of the library. A loft has been inserted into this space to create an additional level with reading and study areas, while contributing to the spatial dynamics and the interconnection of the different parts of the library. A new gallery space, located in the basement, was designed to inclined ramp supplemented by a residence staircase. This architectural element serves not only as a barrier-free access, but also creates a living and inspirational space with a direct impact of daylight that naturally attracts visitors naturally. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, which serves as the main landmark of the whole building. From it there is direct access to the western part of the building, where the the children's section of the library is located. This also includes the associated hall, club rooms, a staff day room and children's sanitary facilities. In the eastern part of the ground floor there is a smaller hall and café, which can function as a separate operational unit, or be flexibly connected to the main library hall. These two spaces are separated by a sliding glass partition that allows for variable operation and visual connection. It is possible to enter the café can also be accessed through a separate entrance on the eastern side of the building, from where there is also access to the staff facilities. The central area of the building is the main library lobby, located in the former pool area. This is where the adult and youth departments are located. This area is vertically and operationally connected to the upper floors and open towards to the south terrace, which serves as a transition between the building and the adjacent park. Public toilets are located at the main stair core, which provide sanitary facilities for visitors to the ground floor. The basement is designed as a separately functioning floor with independent operation. There are publicly accessible clubrooms, a workshop room and a FABLAB-type creative workshop, designed for practical education and community activities. In the area under the former swimming pool is located library depository. Another space in the basement is the Great Hall, which has an adjacent dispersal area with seating for visitors. The basement also includes a gallery, which is intended primarily for or exhibition purposes at the local high school, creating a space for presentation of student work and cultural events. Background for staff is located in the south-eastern part of the floor and has separate entrance. The main staircase core is located at the public toilets and a utility room. On the 1st floor in the eastern part of the building there are offices for library staff, which provide the necessary administrative and operational facilities. Club rooms are located in the northern part of the floor, for smaller community meetings, clubs and other activities. From the main library lobby is accessed from the main library lobby to the study corner, which provides a quiet environment for individual reading and study. In its immediate vicinity The toilets are located near the main stairwell. The main library lobby on the 1st floor is operationally and visually connected to the ground floor by a flight of stairs, which also serves as a seating, reading and informal gathering. In the newly added loft, which is connected to the main library hall, the there is an additional library space designed primarily for quiet activities. The loft serves as an open reading and study room, providing visitors a quiet environment for individual reading, studying or working with a laptop. Thanks to its position on the top level of the building, the loft offers not only high quality daylight, but also visual contact with the lower floors and the overall library space. The loft space contributes to the vertical interior and complements the open concept of the library lobby.

Technical information

The building is designed using the existing skeleton load-bearing system. The original columns remain and are supplemented with new elements that support the newly inserted loft above the main library hall. Within the structural alterations, the original non-load bearing internal masonry was removed and replaced with new construction to match the current layout and technical requirements. One of the key interventions is Adjustment of the floor levels, particularly in the basement and ground floor, in order to to ensure accessibility and smooth movement throughout the building. Above the entrances on the eastern side of the building, a new flat roof was designed to protects the entrances and ensures their operational comfort. Within the modernisation, the south façade on the ground floor was also reconstructed - a new The redesigned exterior cladding is more glazed and pre-set to face the with the first floor terrace. This intervention significantly improves the daylight penetration light into the interior. Above the main library hall (originally the pool hall), a new flat roof structure was implemented. All roofs are designed as vegetated (green), which contributes to the ecological and visual quality of the whole building. The glazed parts of the facade are screened by modular vertical slats, around which climbing plants that contribute to natural shading and visual softening facade. A new outdoor staircase was built in the adjacent park connecting the ground floor and basement, complete with a barrier-free ramp. A new staircase and ramp were also added from the main entrance to the building, ensuring convenient and accessible access for all visitors.