Convalaria Building, Brno

The Convalaria Building in Brno is a significant example of functionalist architecture designed by the renowned architect Oskar Poříska. Erected in 1937 at the intersection of Česká and Veselá streets, this six-level structure stands as a modern landmark at the entrance to Brno's historic center. The building was named after the perfumery "Convalaria," which was located on the ground floor until the late 20th century.

Characterized by its functionalist design, the Convalaria Building features large windows, straight angles, and light ceramic cladding with rounded corners. Its façades are notable for their ribbon windows on the first floor, which reveal ferro-concrete pillars, as well as the glazed ground floor and display windows on the corner façade. The building also boasts a retracted top floor with nautical terrace railings, adding to its modernist appeal.

Historically, the building housed the Alois Dorotík Café on its first floor until the 1970s, a popular spot among Brno's students and intellectuals. In 2008, the Convalaria Building underwent a thorough reconstruction by architects Krabal and Grym from the P.A.W. Studio. Their work successfully restored many of the building's original details while updating the interiors to accommodate the needs of its current tenant, the editorial staff of dailies published by the Mafra media group.

Today, the Convalaria Building remains a prominent example of Brno's functionalist architectural heritage, blending historical significance with modern functionality.