On the importance of context in Pardubice

We designed new platform roofings for Pardubice Main Station.

One of the five busiest train stations in the country is undergoing extensive renovation and modernisation. The station building, one of the most important examples of post-war functionalism, is also part of the project.

We have been entrusted with the task of roofing all the station platforms, four original and a new fifth one which will be added. The renovation is supervised by the son of one of the authors of the original station, a prominent architect himself, Miroslav Řepa. Together with conservationists, he places great emphasis on treating the historical station with respect and preserving its original form as much as possible.

With each of our projects we always take context into consideration. And in Pardubice, context is crucial. Being aware of the long history of the Pardubice station, of its contemporary architectural context, vicinity of the new bus station and the colour symbolism of the city, all these are the foundations on which the design of the roofing is based.

Thanks to this, we quickly found common ground with the investors and supervisors. The result is a roofing that preserves the original HEB profile of the load-bearing columns but does away with all that clutters the basic shape: corrugated metal and visible technologies. The latter will now be completely integrated above a smooth ceiling made from sandwich panel. The slenderness and basic lines of the structures are legacy of the original roofings.  However, new technologies enable visual purity which will guarantee that the view of the visually dominant station buildings will not be disturbed.

On the first platform, which is adjacent to the station building, a new glazed strip is being integrated into the roof, thanks to which the space of this platform will be well lit by natural light.

Pardubice railway station is a reminder of the times when transport infrastructure buildings were treated as architecture and not only as technical constructions. For the past thirty years we have been striving to get these buildings the attention they deserve again. They are here for all of us and have the potential to make our lives more pleasant - or unpleasant.