obchodní dům Labe Department store

Welcome, you are facing a unique construction piece that dominates the central part of Ústí nad Labem. In front of you, there is a massive facade on Revolutionary Street, its surface shines under the sunlight and reminds of the color of the flowing Elbe, on which the city bears its name. The first look at this object will interest you in its massive volume and clean lines, which are based on the architectural direction, which in the 1970s began to promote itself as a significant response to previous modernist tendencies. The air around you carries the light noise of urban transport, but at the same time you feel the calm that comes from a carefully thought-out space that was created with regard to the public and aesthetics.

Let's move on to the time this building was born. The Elbe department store was opened in 1974, i.e. in the period when Czechoslovakia was undergoing intense changes in public space and in the architectural concept of cities. The proposal falls on the manuscript of architect Rozena Jránová, who at that time was among the leading representatives of the new architectural direction, called the neo-expressionist architecture. This direction has tried to connect functionality with strong forms to induce emotional response. The construction was built in a place that suffered heavy bombardment during World War II and was completely destroyed. After the war, the city decided to use this open space to create a new public centre that would not only replace the lost buildings, but also symbolize recovery and progress.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself. The facade of the department store is covered with an aluminum cloak, whose surface captures light and changes its shades according to the time of day, thus reminiscent of the variability of the Elbe River. This material was considered modern and technologically advanced at the time, which underlines the innovative nature of the construction. Over the entire height of the building is a straight line that highlights the horizontal dimension while creating a sense of stability. There is one of the first escalators of Czechoslovak production at the level of the entrance space - a technical solution which at that time represented great progress in public transport infrastructure. If you look down, you can imagine people moving up these moving stairs over the past decades, moving quickly and comfortably between the floors of the department store. The whole object is designed to act as an open and welcoming space where urban life meets modern technologies.

Among the key stories related to this place are the personality of Rozena Jortová, whose design was not only an architectural output, but also an expression of her belief in how urban spaces should serve people. Joke focused on creating a place where business activity will be mixed with public meetings and where each visit will be accompanied by an aesthetic experience. Another important moment in the history of the house is its opening in 1974, when the first lights were lit in front of hundreds of people and the public could enter a new space for the first time, which promised comfort and modern service. Although the tenants and offer of shops have changed over the years, the structure itself has been preserved and continues to serve as an important hub of urban life.

The interesting thing that can impress a visitor is that obchodní dům Labe is one of the first buildings where home escalator was used. At a time when most of such facilities were imported from abroad, Czechoslovak engineers managed to produce a reliable and functional model that was installed here. This technical success was seen as a symbol of national industrial power and an indication that the country can produce high-end technologies even in the area of public space. Another stimulating issue that often occurs in connection with this house is what was the original intention of the architect regarding the colour design of the facade. Although today we see the aluminum coat as a reflection of the color of the river, the original documents suggest that Jortová wanted the surface to change during different seasons to reflect the variability of nature around the city. This plan adds another layer of importance to the building and connects it to the surrounding environment.

Finally, I invite you to move on and explore everything obchodní dům Labe has to offer. Enter the main space, walk along the windows, listen to the noise of people and discover how the modern business concept intersects with historical context. Every step you take will allow you to look into the period when Czechoslovakia was trying to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. I hope that this moment will not only provide you with information, but also a sense of connection to the city, its history and the vision that Růžena Žertová has placed in this place. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this guide, and I wish you a pleasant discovery of further corners of Ústí nad Labem.