Bachelor's Thesis

Restoration of the Functionalist Villa Wittal in Brno

Final Thesis 3.02 MB Appendix 76.09 MB

Author of thesis: Sabina Grygarová

Acad. year: 2025/2026

Supervisor: Ing. arch. Adam Guzdek, Ph.D.

Reviewer: Ing. arch. David Benda

Abstract:

This bachelor’s thesis focuses on the design proposal for the restoration of the functionalist Wittal Villa in Brno, a significant example of interwar architecture and a building bearing strong historical and social significance. The aim of the thesis is the rehabilitation of this listed heritage building and its adaptation for a new use as a Jewish cultural and educational center, while preserving the architectural, historical, and urban values of the structure. The work is based on a building-historical and building-technical survey, which assess the extent of preservation of the original structures, materials, and architectural elements. On the basis of these analyses, a restoration concept is proposed that respects the principles of heritage conservation, minimizes interventions into the load-bearing structural system, and sensitively removes inappropriate later alterations. The design focuses on the functional reorganization of the interior, the integration of necessary technical installations, and the fulfillment of operational, safety, and hygienic requirements of a contemporary public building. The thesis also includes an urban and architectural design of the building and its adjacent garden, which follows the original composition of the villa and its relationship to the sloping terrain of the Masaryk Quarter. The technical part addresses the structural system of the building, the proposed construction interventions, the solution of technical infrastructure, accessibility, and the protection of the building against adverse environmental influences. The result of the thesis is a restoration proposal that connects the historical value of the building with new social use and creates a dignified framework for the cultural and educational functions of the site.

Keywords:

functionalist villa, Wittal Villa, listed heritage building, heritage conservation, rehabilitation of a historic building, adaptation of an existing building, interwar architecture, functionalism, cultural monument, change of building use, Jewish cultural center, building-historical survey, building-technical survey, structural system of the building, restoration of historic structures, layout modifications, technical infrastructure, barrier-free accessibility, technical and technological solutions, urban design, architectural design, Masaryk Quarter, Pisárky, Brno

Date of defence

08.06.2026

Result of the defence

Defended (thesis was successfully defended)

znamkaCznamka

Grading

C

Process of defence

Studentka představila komisi svůj návrh. Po té byl přečten posudek vedoucího a oponenta. Dotazy oponenta byly obstojně zodpovězeny. Po té proběhla rozprava. Dotazy: skladba střechy, požadavky normy (wc invalidé).

Language of thesis

Czech

Faculty

Department

Ústav architektury

Study programme

Architecture of Building Construction (BPC-APS)

Composition of Committee

doc. Ing. Miloš Kalousek, Ph.D. (předseda)
doc. Ing. arch. Petr Dýr, Ph.D. (místopředseda)
Ing. arch. Tomáš Pavlovský, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. Jana Krupicová, Ph.D. (člen)
Ing. arch. Petr Otépka (člen)

Supervisor’s report
Ing. arch. Adam Guzdek, Ph.D.

Grade proposed by supervisor: C

File inserted by supervisor Size
BP2026-hodnocení vedoucího Grygarová Sabina-LK.pdf 144,50 kB

Reviewer’s report
Ing. arch. David Benda

Grade proposed by reviewer: B

File inserted by the reviewer Size
Posudek oponenta [.pdf] 140,32 kB

Responsibility: Mgr. et Mgr. Hana Odstrčilová