In the heart of Přerov, the transformation of the City Hall by the czech design practice atelier gram is a masterclass in architectural evolution and public revitalization. The original building, completed in 1969, now stands as a beacon of civic engagement, embodying both history and modern functionality.
A Transparent Connection with T. G. M. Square: Pathway to Community Engagement
The most striking alteration is the new glass staircase on the south facade, visibly connecting the administrative interiors with the bustling life of T. G. M. Square. The staircase not only serves as a vertical conduit but also houses exhibition spaces and informal meeting areas, bringing transparency to the building’s functions and sparking a resurgence in citizen involvement.
This innovative design creates a diagonal public route through the building, starting from the reception area and leading to the rooftop café, effectively blending municipal administration with public accessibility, furthering this transformation in practical terms.
Redefining Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
At ground level, the fully glazed entrance hall dissolves barriers between the city square and the interior, making the hall an extension of the public space. This openness continues upwards, where the rooftop terrace provides panoramic views over Přerov, turning an administrative facility into a civic destination, embodying the essence of a public renaissance.
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The spacious interior, now free of non-load-bearing partitions, allows for adaptable workspaces, maintaining the integrity of the central core while accommodating evolving needs, a true manifestation of ongoing renewal.
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Preserving and Enhancing Structural Integrity
The renovation honors the building’s architectural heritage while introducing necessary technical upgrades. The original steel frame and precast concrete panels remain integral, augmented by contemporary thermal and acoustic enhancements. The renovation thoughtfully integrates fire-safety features with anodized aluminum sheeting, providing a modern touch that respects the building’s origins while contributing to the area’s revitalization.
Facade improvements maintain the building’s modular rhythm, adding performance layers like expanded-metal shading to control solar gain, thus marrying aesthetic continuity with energy efficiency — a nod to sustainable development.
Sculpting a Civic Identity
Atelier gram’s intervention turns the City Hall into a versatile public infrastructure, weaving together civic functions with its architectural narrative. The building now serves as a hub for exhibition, interaction, and administration, its structure visibly embodying both legacy and innovation. This project epitomizes revitalization by transforming the space into a symbol of community engagement.
With this project, the City Hall in Přerov becomes more than an administrative edifice; it is a symbol of community and openness, thoughtfully designed for the future while remaining rooted in its historical context and serving as a beacon of transformation.
Project Details
- Name: City Hall in Přerov
- Architects: Atelier Gram
- Location: Přerov, Czech Republic
- Client: Statutory City of Přerov
- Lead Architects: Anne-Sereine Tremblay, Jan Kudlička (Atelier Gram); Marina Kounavi (Anagram Architecture)
- Total Floor Area: 5,000 sqm
- Height: 30 meters
- Expected Completion: 2026
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the main architectural feature of the transformed City Hall?
The main architectural feature is the new glass staircase on the south facade, which visibly connects the administrative interiors with T. G. M. Square and includes exhibition spaces and informal meeting areas.
How does the renovation maintain the building’s architectural heritage?
The renovation maintains the architectural heritage by preserving the original steel frame and precast concrete panels, while introducing contemporary thermal and acoustic enhancements as well as fire-safety features with anodized aluminum sheeting.
What improvements were made to the City Hall facade?
The facade improvements include maintaining the building’s modular rhythm and adding performance layers like expanded-metal shading to control solar gain, combining aesthetic continuity with energy efficiency.