CHYBIK + KRISTOF breathes new life into brutalist zvonařka bus terminal

CHYBIK + KRISTOF has restored the zvonařka central bus terminal in the czech republic, preserving the existing brutalist heritage structure. the architects breathe new life into the bus station, which is transformed into a vigorous, functioning landmark for brno city. the project takes form as a social transportation hub, through which a large crowd of passengers and visitors transit daily.all images courtesy of alex shoots buildings

maintaining the mid-1980s architecture of the original structure, CHYBIK + KRISTOF sought to add to the building a contemporary touch covering current needs and requirements. the key element for the rejuvenation was transparency, emphasized by the revealed ceiling mesh. the architects preserved and highlighted the original exposed concrete, while they repainted the worn construction and added new functions such as an infobox, standing, and ticketing spaces. ‘a self-initiated project, the zvonařka central bus terminal reaffirms our longstanding engagement for social change,’ stated the architects.

the project is realized as a ten-year campaign accomplished by public and private stakeholders to ensure the funds for restoration and redesign of the decaying space. the new main hall takes shape as an open structure devoid of walls, following the pre-existing floorplan. furthermore, the top of the structure serves as a parking area for buses, while the covered zone features individual bus stops. meanwhile, an important part of the design was the illumination, as it improves accessibility and provides vitality to the place.

project info:

name: zvonařka bus station

architects: CHYBIK + KRISTOF

design team: ondřej chybík, michal krištof, ondřej švancara, ingrid spáčilová, adam jung, kryštof foltýn, martin holý, laura emilija druktenytė

location: zvonařka, brno, czech republic

area: 10,000 sqm (107,639 sqft)