The project "Fuchs' Glory", whose authors are teachers of the Faculty of Architecture of the Brno University of Technology, architectural historian Rostislav Koryčánek, sculptor Jan Šebánek and architect Jaroslav Sedlák, wants to commemorate Fuchs's buildings and his contribution to the transformation of modern Brno. The inflatable statue corresponds to Fuchs's approach to architecture, which included an emphasis on functionality, the materials and technologies used, as well as aesthetic harmony. The author of the project's plan, Rostislav Koryčánek, adds: “The pneumatic sculpture plays with the idea of whether Bohuslav Fuchs, as an architect of European stature, should not have his classic statue in the city in which he worked. And if so, where should it stand? At the same time, we say that the best sculptural monuments are his buildings if we take good care of them.”

For the travelling sculpture to attract attention and show the quality of Fuchs' work, its creators chose an unconventional method of execution. They invited the Brno company Kubíček Factory, a leading manufacturer of hot air balloons Kubíček Balloons, designer inflatables Kubíček Visionair and ultralight aircraft Kubíček Aircraft, to cooperate, and had the designed shape sewn from balloon fabric.“Just as Bohuslav Fuchs discovered new possibilities for architecture, we constantly explored the boundaries of materials and air. The combination of art and technology in this project shows that even traditional materials can have unexpected uses and appeal to a wide audience,” said sales representative Jan Procházka.

Render. | Author: Jaroslav Sedlák

This resulted in a variable and easily transportable object, which was transported around the city by the Švihé Synku company. The inflatable sculpture is transported on a cart pulled by a cargo bike. The founder of the company Erik Nálepka justified his support for the project as follows: “We intend to change transport habits, including the transport of goods, and to offer modes of transport that are more beneficial for the city and life in it. The bicycle is a proven means in many other places, which, if prioritized, calms traffic, increases its safety and brings life back to places that are jammed by fast-moving or parked cars. It leads to greater sensitivity to the city as well as its history. Similar to the project by Sláva Fuchs, which we want to support for this reason.”

Test day. | Foto: Jitka Drápalová

The statue will appear in front of each of the nine planned Fuchs buildings for several days. To obtain information, passersby can access the Brno Architectural Manual database via QR code, which is the most comprehensive source for learning about Brno’s architecture. Project coordinator of the BAM project Veronika Jičínská says: “BAM is one of the long-term projects of the Brno House of Arts, whose extensive post-war reconstruction was entrusted to architect Bohuslav Fuchs. The fact that those interested in his work can find about forty buildings of various purposes in the database - from villas, apartment buildings, hotels to schools or a ceremonial hall - is also evidence of how exceptionally productive an architect he was. Bohuslav Fuchs’ buildings are integral to Brno’s architectural heritage.”

The statue's presence will also draw attention to other events associated with the Fuchs’ anniversary celebration. The project partner is TIC BRNO, which is aware of the tourist potential of Brno's architecture. “Brno's architecture is one of the main destination themes that we use when promoting Brno in the Czech Republic and abroad. The Fuchs Glory project is one of twelve that will be implemented this year with the support of the city of Brno and that aim to present Fuchs from different perspectives. You can find all the projects on the GOTOBRNO.CZ website in the Events and Festivals category. In terms of genre, they are a diverse range of exhibitions, lectures, workshops, as well as interventions in public spaces and performances. On gotobrno.cz you can also find a new article Phenomenon Brno – Fuchs 130, where you can read how his granddaughter, Mrs Pavla Seitlová, remembers her grandfather,” summarized Jana Janulíková, director of TIC BRNO.

The invitation for the first stop – the Špilberk castle. | Graphics: Alina Matějová, illustration/render: Šimon Klein

Bohuslav Fuchs (1895-1972) was a key figure in Brno's architecture and design. His functionalist buildings, thoughtful urban concepts and pedagogical activities shaped modern Brno's face and Czech architecture's development. His buildings such as the Avion Hotel, Zeman's Café, Moravian Bank, Zábrdovice Spa, have become symbols of modern Brno. His works are characterized by innovative use of materials, elegant proportions and harmonious integration into the urban environment. Fuchs' urban concept emphasized the functional zoning of the city, as well as the connections with nature and social aspects of housing. As a teacher at the Brno Technical University, he educated generations of architects and designers. His pedagogical activities focused on connecting theory with practice and supporting students' talent.

An iconic functionalist building in the centre of Brno from 1927. Its thoughtful spatial design, lighting effects, and elegant interior stand out.

Bus station at Hotel Grand
22. 4. – 25. 4.  

The current station is only one-third of what was planned. The first platform, completed in 1948 with a shell concrete roof and subtle columns, is still one of the first Fuchs buildings visitors to Brno encounter.

Information: Autobusové nádraží (only in CZE)

Red Army Memorial
19. 5. – 22. 5.  

The monumental memorial on Moravské náměstí in Brno was unveiled on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of liberation from the fascist regime. It was built in collaboration with sculptor Vincenc Makovsky and architect Antonín Kurial. Fuchs participated in the modification and architectural completion of the public space.

Information: Red Army Memorial

Alpa House (courtyard) 

Accompanying programme. More information soon.

The project is implemented with the financial support of the Statutory City of Brno.