Daniela Hradilová
portfolio
The Makropulos Affair
Program: Cafeteria
Type: Public, Interior
Location: Brno, Czech Republic
Year: 2013
The Makropulos Affair is a cafeteria project located in Brno and situated at the sight of the Janacek Theatre, a famous Brno landmark. The primary focus is on interior, including original furniture designs.
The aim of this project was to create a separate building that is eye-catching for the passer-by and respectful to the landmark at the same time.
As a part of the design the objective was to revive the terrace in front of the theatre by creating an additional cultural attraction in the form of a stage for performances.
The site complex is extensive consisting of the theatre building, an underground parking lot, a public park, and several pedestrian thoroughfares. These pathways lead to the theatre itself as well as to the park, to the centre of Brno, and other nearby areas. As a result, the
building is accessible from two different levels, each one offering a different atmosphere to the visitor. The ground level design is informal and easy, inspired by the surrounding public park. The first floor is formal yet variable allowing the furniture and stage to be organized according to the event.
The main design theme is a crystalline structure that spreads though the façade and interior reminiscent of the the imaginary Makropulos Affair.
Architecturally, this idea is also presented in the round glass staircase and cylindrical structure of the purple light-well above it and the purple floor accent on the ground level.
The name of the project gets its inspiration from a famous opera by Czech composer Leos Janacek, in whose honor the theatre was named.