funkcionalistický věžový vodojem v Poděbradech Water tower

Welcome to Podebrady. You've just stopped by one of the most interesting and important buildings you can see in this city. You are standing in a pleasant and quiet environment of the S. K. Neumann sets, where you are now surrounded by a view of a unique water work. Before your eyes, there is a tower water that is much more than a simple technical building designed to store water. It is a symbol of progress, proof of human ingenuity, and a beautiful example of how practical need can be combined with architectural art. Feel the atmosphere of calm that exists here in these orchards and allow yourself to observe for a moment this high, dominant structure, which is so harmonically inserted into the surrounding green environment.

In order to fully understand the importance of this building and why it is so important for the city, we need to go back deep into the past together. Imagine the early 1920s. The town of Poděbrada was undergoing an important transformation and the growing need for a modern way of life required ensuring a quality and reliable water supply network. In 1922 Jan Vladimir Hráský came up with this idea, which created a complex project of the whole water pipeline and water plant. It was a crucial step for the health and development of the entire city. However, the construction of this particular water tower began only a few years later, in 1929. The entire construction process lasted about a year and was completed in 1930. This period, the period between the two world wars, was a period of huge technological rise and optimism, which is clearly reflected in this construction.

Now please look directly at the building itself and pay attention to its shape. Notice the purity and simplicity that will probably address you at first sight. This watercourse is an excellent example of the functionalist style, which was the peak of modern thinking at the time. If you look at his face, you will see that there is no unnecessary decorating or complex ornaments that have no clear purpose. In fact, functionalism says that the beauty of the building must come directly from its function. Everything you see has its purpose and serves to make the whole structure as effective as possible. The architect František Janda who designed this project was able to create a work that is not only technically perfect but also aesthetically very impressive.

If you look at the lower part of the tower now, notice the interesting part that gives the entire building a special elegance. It's a circular covered colonnade that surrounds the lower part of the building. This part of the tower creates an interesting space and at the same time gives the whole construction a finer, more human dimension. It is a fascinating connection of a purely technical object with an architectural feeling that was not obvious at the time. Notice how the line of this colonnade perfectly complements with the vertical direction of the entire tower.

It is important to note that this building was not built just to look good, but above all to fulfil its demanding technical role. And this is where we come to something that might really interest you. Now try to imagine the enormous power and weight that's hidden inside this tower. High above you, about 30 meters tall, there's a huge tank. Its volume is an incredible four hundred seventy meters of cubic water. Try that imagination: almost 500 cubic meters of water hangs at a height of 30 meters above the ground. This huge mass must be able to provide the correct water pressure throughout the urban network thanks to its position. It is a fascinating engineering performance, which at the time of its inception represented the tip of technical knowledge.

This building is so unique that it cannot be seen as an old technical object. It's part of our cultural heritage. Since 2010, this watercourse has been officially protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. This gives us a clear signal that its value is not only in what it used to do for the city, but also in how beautifully and dignified it represents its best. It's a witness in history that tells us a story about how people were trying to take over natural resources for the benefit of all citizens.

If you look at the tower now, try to think in your mind about the people behind this work. About architect Franz Jan, who had to combine demanding technical requirements with modern aesthetics. About Jan Vladimír Hrastský, who had the courage to design this entire network. And all the people who worked in 1929 and 1930 to make sure this building could stand right here and serve generations.

I hope this short walk through the history and architecture of this place has brought you new views of what you see around you. This watercourse is proof that even things intended for practical use can be works of art that are worth admiring for decades. After the end of this recording, please continue a quiet walk with these beautiful sets of S. K. Neumann. Enjoy the atmosphere of Poděbrad, look at other attractions in the area and let yourself drift by the beauty of this city. Thank you for your attention and I wish you a beautiful and pleasant rest of the day.