MONUMENT OF QUEEN ELIŠKA REJČKA
How can we commemorate a figure whose presence still resonates in the city's character? Her stone legacy stands to this day, yet for most Brno residents, the name of the founder remains unknown, diluted by time. Queen Eliška Rejčka's likeness is entwined with timeworn concepts, lacking evidence of her true appearance. The universal royal symbols—throne and crown—are reserved for the divine right of those who hold royal office.
GLASS AS A FRAGILE AND WEIGHTLESS SYMBOL
The glass throne is intentionally transparent, a symbol shaped by light and its cyclical transformations. Despite its strength and durability, glass traditionally evokes fragility and transience. It is a throne that only time will occupy. The chessboard on which the throne rests is historically a symbol of power struggles.
Glass uniquely dematerializes volume, filled with light, serving as both a mirror and an invisible presence. For Eliška Rejčka, the glass throne is the perfect place to touch the sky.
The throne will be crafted from large-format glass panels with a specially treated surface to enhance reflectivity. The surface will be coated with nanoparticles to reduce the accumulation of dust and other impurities. The glass will transition from a partially opaque surface to clear transparency, creating the illusion of dissolving into the sky when viewed from above. Although frosty days are fewer, the effects of winter frost and dew are desirable accompanying phenomena.
VEGETATION AS PART OF THE WHOLE AND ITS BONDARY
A double row of linden trees encloses the space towards the busy roadway. Although linden trees face challenges in urban environments, the lack of moisture will be mitigated by subsurface irrigation.
The trees must be spatially effective from the outset. Important parameters include the height of the tree crowns, adequate root space near roadways and paths, and quality irrigation. While the design assumes the collection of every drop of water, summer droughts will be overcome with sufficient moisture provided by the aforementioned subsurface irrigation systems.
Linden trees were chosen not only for their symbolism but also to complement the existing trees in the wider area. The existing conifers will be retained until their natural end of life and will be replaced by lindens in the future. The lawn will be automatically irrigated from below, with a construction that includes a layer of washed river sand, allowing for early use even after rain.
Street lighting will be part of the overhead traction system, relocated to the edge of the sidewalk. Diagonal paths will be lit only by recessed lights with a one-sided beam. The lighting and underlighting of the throne aim to create a subtle glowing effect. Light beams will pass directly through the glass, intertwining at the edges.
The diagonal pathways will be paved with large-format granite slabs in a color identical to the existing pavement. The layout of these paths reflects natural movement lines. The chessboard will be constructed from two contrasting granite slabs of gray tones, laid in sand to facilitate any necessary repairs to underground utilities.
Co-author: Ing. Vladimír Sitta
Sculptural design: prof. ak. soch. Marian Karel
Project: 2024
Memorial height: 7 m
Memorial area: 64 m2
Site area: 6 500 m2
Location: Brno, Mendel Square
