Railway Post Office, Brno

The Railway Station Post Office in Brno is a significant functionalist architectural landmark located on Nádražní Street, in the heart of the city. It is closely associated with the Main Railway Station area, a protected heritage site, though it functions as an independent structure. The building was designed in the late 1930s by the renowned architect Bohuslav Fuchs, following his winning entry in an architectural competition. The building was designed with a light steel structure, allowing for easy dismantling and relocation if the railway station moved. This concept, influenced by the site's previous use as a post office, remains uncertain in the 21st century.

The building combines reinforced concrete and steel, with the two subterranean levels made of reinforced concrete and the five above-ground floors featuring a steel frame, highlighting its functionalist design. Its elongated layout, measuring 80 by 15 meters and running parallel to nearby railway tracks, suits its role as a large postal center. The structure consists of two intersecting blocks, giving it a slim appearance despite its size. The street façade features a prominent bay spanning three floors, adding to its dynamic look. The entrance vestibule includes a modernist decorative portico, a hallmark of Fuchs' architectural style.

Over time, the building has experienced various alterations, especially during the 1980s, when insensitive renovations led to the removal of original elements, such as the remarkable steel construction benches with oak seats and backrests. Furthermore, in the 1990s, the original dark gray cement plaster was painted over with a less appropriate light dispersion coating, detracting from the building's original aesthetic. Despite these changes, the building still houses one of Brno's three functional paternoster elevators, a rare and historic feature.

Today, the Railway Station Post Office stands as a testament to Brno's functionalist architectural heritage, though its condition has been declining over the years, raising concerns about its preservation and the feasibility of its original design intentions.