Future of Brno Centre
Brno, Czech Republic

Resilient cities were and are compact and adaptable, facilitating a multitude of socio-economic conditions. The carbon-based economy of the 19th and 20th century seriously disrupted compact urbanism, creating technocratic environments, separate functional zones and unhealthy living conditions: a development that most cities in the world are still coming to terms with. Significant socio-economic and technological shifts are taking place that allow for the reinstatement of the qualities of the compact and differentiated city in a contemporary form: resilient, sustainable, and community-driven. A city that is carbon and waste free and generates 100% of its energy needs. A city that offers a differentiated living, working and recreation environment that is accessible to all. This design strategy aims to transform Brno into a cutting edge focus point of urban resilience, setting an international benchmark.

We live in an era of transition and disruption. Planning the future of a city does not require a physical autocratic masterplan but a strategic menu of objectives, design tools and policies that regulate the overall plan and individual buildings. Anchor projects, like a high-speed rail station, a new river park, a creativity and innovation hub and a university area, can act as long-term triggers for a multitude of positive urban developments.

The compact city concentrates a high density mix of services, culture, education and living, working and recreation areas in close proximity. The compact city offers possibilities for all levels of income and market segments. Bringing these activities and a wide range of citizens in close proximity to each other fosters a sense of community. In the long term the compact city is socially, economically and ecologically the most sustainable urban model.

Urged by the present and acute need to fundamentally change our impact on the environment, we are moving to a carbon free economy and bottom up initiatives, which provide a range of types, scales and networks of sustainable energy, and reconnect local communities. This project aims to make this site in Brno an example
for other cities worldwide of how to successfully manage and design this urban transition. This long-term approach allows the site development to continuously improve over time, adding new technologies and gained knowledge and insights into the mix for future developments. This strategic masterplan proposal aims to maximise the integration of effective principles and innovations, to guarantee a flexible, resilient, robust city.

Czech Republic
1,523,000 m2
Assigned by
Municipality of Brno
Competition in 2015