04 sports centre

brief: To consider the convertion of a derelict textile factory into a sports centre as part of a comprehensive regeneration of Brno's old industrial area to leisure facilities.

site: Brno is the Czech Republic's second largest city. The site lies in the Zabrovice district which now has many brownfield sites due to the decline in heavy industry which once provided the main source of employment in the area. The textile factory faces on to a busy main road to north and blaze football pitches to the south with the river beyond.

design: As part of the urban strategy, a leisure 'belt' was proposed which would provide a wide range of recreational facilities to attract people from the city centre to the area. Included in the proposals was allocation for housing, office space and seasonal features such as outdoor cinema and beer gardens.

The development of the former textile factory into a sports centre sees the existing building fabric being used as the core for administrative accomodation. A large extension will be built to the rear of the building which will house all sporting activity. The cente's main feature is a public pathway which cuts through the complex allowing for an abstract interaction with participants and passers-by. The versatile extension building does not adhere to rigid space planning i.e. the design of the interior is not determined by the dimensions of the sports courts.