The park on Moravian Square in Brno has emerged as a vibrant oasis, contrasting sharply with the city’s constant hustle and traffic. Designed by Consequence Forma Architects, this revitalized public space in Brno’s historic center integrates blue-green infrastructure, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and community inclusivity, reflecting a comprehensive approach to urban renewal in the 21st century.
At the heart of the park lies the urban arena, a new public space featuring a fountain that transforms into a water mirror or a misty cloud. This central area is surrounded by a massive bench that offers a sense of tranquility, inviting visitors to recline, sit, relax, and play. During summer, the area, affectionately called ‘The Brno Sea,’ attracts children and adults alike, providing a dynamic blend of relaxation and activity.
The northern part of the park has also been transformed, incorporating a café and a children’s playground. Overlooking the Church of St. Thomas, the café pavilion acts as a bridge between the park and the bustling Koliště Street, which is evolving into an urban boulevard. The café, with its terrace, anchors a shaded promenade beneath mature trees, offering spaces for relaxation and social interaction. It also supports the adjacent playground and a ‘speakers corner’ for small events, becoming a social hub within the park.
The café features a partially transparent roof that accommodates a tree, creating a unique visual element. The roof also supports a polished steel ellipse, which becomes visible at sunset thanks to a lighting installation. The neon word ‘Budoucnost’ (Future) on the weather-resistant steel façade invites contemplation about society’s future, further enhancing the park’s reflective and artistic atmosphere.
The park’s design emphasizes both active and peaceful areas. The light gravel under the tree canopies and the original play elements inspired by Brno’s cafe culture invite children and adults to linger. In contrast, the grassy and meadow areas offer serene spots for relaxation. A prominent edge visually connects the park to its surroundings, with blooming perennials and bulbs creating a seasonal display of colors and scents. The entrances are thoughtfully designed based on observed paths, ensuring accessibility and a natural flow through the space.
Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of the park’s design. Blue-green infrastructure restores the water regime, retaining rainwater and supporting vegetation. The park’s cooling mist nozzles and sloped surfaces that direct water into gravel swales help maintain a favorable microclimate. These measures, combined with the selection of climate-tolerant plant species, enhance the park’s resilience to climate change, providing essential ecosystem services and creating a thriving, sustainable urban green space.
beautiful solution, and a great way not to interrupt the park itself!