Vodárenská věž Bohnice Building

Welcome. You're standing right where the technical precision of the last century meets the silent atmosphere of history. Take a look in front of you now and try to focus your attention on that monumental brick tower that stands right in front of your eyes. Its height, over 42 meters, is truly impressive, and it probably makes you look up to the sky right now. This water tower is not just an ordinary building, it is a symbol of the need and care that took place here in the past. Feel the weight and stability that this structure radiates, and imagine how it must have affected people who went through here over a hundred years ago.

Let us now return together to the time when this site began to form. You must imagine the beginning of the twentieth century, the time of great changes and expansion of construction. This whole space was then created as a complex area for people with mind disorders. In order for such a big institution to work, he needed something vital, and that was water. Water for hygiene, drinking and operating purposes was necessary. That's why this tower was built. The whole process of implementing this work took place in the years from a thousand nine hundred seven to a thousand nine hundred nine. The tower was not built as a separate, isolated element, but as part of a wider system. If you look now at its connection to the surrounding buildings, you will realize that it is firmly connected to the building where the machinery room, laundry and spa used to be housed. It all formed one large, functional organism that had to be constantly supplied with water.

Now pay attention to how this building was designed. If you look at its overall appearance, you will see the work of a man who understood not only the technology but also the aesthetics of the buildings at the time. It was designed by Mr. Václav Roštlapil. He was the architect who had to combine demanding requirements for water management with a form that would fit into the overall nature of the complex. Even though the tower now appears solid and unchanging, its existence is the result of a very precise plan. Feel the harmony between its practical purpose and how its walled matter soars above the ground. It is proof that purely useful buildings can have their dignity and character.

Now try to imagine what's going on inside that tall tower. Even though you're out now, the inner space is fascinating. The tower is not empty, its heart is three large steel tanks that are located directly above each other. That's the technical solution you must be interested in. Each of these tanks had its own specific role and temperature. Imagine the medium tank that was designed to heat the water. With steam, the water was heated to 70 degrees Celsius. That was a huge energy sealed inside the steel walls. And right below it, in the lowest part, there was another tank. But it served a completely different purpose. It contained water at a much lower temperature, exactly 23 degrees Celsius, which was prepared for spa needs. This difference in temperature and the way the tanks were arranged points to the incredible willingness of the engineers at the time to address every detailed need for running the Institute.

But time passes and things change. This tower has gone through many stages of its life. For decades, it has performed its original function, but in the year one thousand nine hundred seventy-two there was a fundamental change. At the time, the Institute was connected to a public water pipeline and the tower could no longer serve as the main source of water for the whole complex as it was customary. Her role changed and she began to serve as an expansion tank, a space for balancing pressure in the system. Despite these changes, its significance has not disappeared. In the year one thousand nine hundred ninety-six, the tower was subjected to the repair of the facade to preserve its appearance and to protect it from the influence of the surrounding environment. Today, this tower is not only a technical facility, but is recognised and protected as a real-estate cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It is proof that even things that have been built for practical purposes can gain their historical value.

If you're looking for something unusual in this place, think about how much this tower is connected to human life. Although we don't have any specific names about the people who lived and worked here themselves, you can imagine them. Imagine those who worked in the laundry room, those who were looking for relief at the spa, and those who made sure the water never dried up. This tower was everything to them. It was their guarantee of purity and warmth. The mysterious force that carries the contrast between the hot steam in one part and the hot water in the other is what makes this place so special.

Now that you know about history, architect and technical details, I suggest you continue your walk. Feel the surrounding spaces and try to find traces of that time in every piece of architecture. This tower is only one part of a much wider story that has been written here for many years. I hope that this view of the water tower in Bínho has brought you new knowledge and that you will enjoy walking in this historic area. Thank you for your attention and read your way through history again. Goodbye.