Čedok Building, Brno

The Čedok Building in Brno is an iconic example of functionalist architecture, situated prominently at the corner of Bašty and Nádražní streets. Designed by the renowned Brno architect Oskar Poříska in 1927, this building is particularly notable for its distinctive rounded corner, a striking feature that makes it one of the most recognizable structures as you exit Brno's central railway station.

The building's design is a masterful response to the challenges posed by its irregularly shaped plot and the sloping terrain where it was constructed, on the site of the former walled circle of the city. The exterior is characterized by the innovative use of a reinforced concrete wall, which was a pioneering technique in Brno at the time, allowing for the creation of the building’s outstanding semicircular corner.

Initially, the Čedok Building served as the headquarters for the Exhibition of Contemporary Culture in Czechoslovakia, which was held at the Brno Exhibition Center in 1928. It functioned as a "central accommodation office" for the exhibition, with commercial and office spaces occupying the upper floors. The building also featured one of the first pedestrian terraces designed for a restaurant, further emphasizing its modernist credentials.

Over the years, the building became home to the Čedok travel agency, a role it maintained until the end of August 2023. It underwent renovation in 1993, preserving its architectural integrity and ensuring its status as a protected cultural monument. Today, the Čedok Building remains a significant part of Brno’s architectural heritage, located within the protection zone of the Brno Municipal Monument Reserve.