The content of the thesis is an architectural study, which proposes a new use of the grounds of the VUT area on Kraví hora. The aim was to combine the interests of VUT and the City of Brno in this extraordinary territory for the benefit of both subjects. The study addresses not only the VUT land, but also the whole area of Kraví hora, which is one of the unique green spaces in the center of Brno. The High School of Technology at Kraví Hora is one of the most valuable areas of the city of Brno. Just like the rest of Kravi hora. But we are talking about a territory that is scattered over several sub-sections. The biggest problem of the whole mountain is impenetrability and lack of solidarity. Kraví hora is a place that has served history, relaxation, afternoon activities and family trips. Today, it is mainly used as a gardening colony - the private sector. From another part there are spaces that are leased to different companies and private owners. However, the use of these spaces, in most cases, does not correspond to the character that has long since existed. Another problem is poor transport accessibility, low capacity of parking spaces and large distances from the area to public transport stops. In the interest of the City of Brno, cultivation of the Kraví hora as urban green space and the creation of a whole green park, which will serve primarily the public.

Due to considerations for sustainable development and urban sprawl we have to address the growing concern of abandoned buildings and cities. Underutilised buildings and urban spaces are the development sites of the future. This dissertation investigates the problems of underutilised buildings and cities, and by doing so aims to contribute to a good urban environment, “the good city” according to Stern (2003: 21). As a further challenge, many of these underutilised buildings were designed with abrupt thresholds and inward orientation, instantly divorcing them from the public domain. Therefore not only is the re-use of an existing building explored, but is the extension of the public realm into the building also investigated. The project addresses this extension of the public realm through layering as a tool and a design generator. The layered tectonic is applied through spatial, componential, material and transitional layering. The building chosen for the dissertation is the old Pretoria Central Fire Station. The new proposed programme is a Centre for Architecture. Site information: Programme: Centre for Architecture: includes exhibition space, auditorium, conference facilities, offices, library, archives, bookshop and restaurant. Site description: Old Pretoria Central Fire Station, 1912 Client: Client body consisting of SACAP and voluntary associations within the architecture profession Users: Professionals and students in the Built Environment industry, tourists and the general public Site Location: Erven 913 + 914 Address: 449 Bosman Street, c/o Minnaar Street, Pretoria CBD, South Africa Between African Window and City Hall GPS coordinates: 25°45’12.99”S, 28°11’8.61”E / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Architecture / unrestricted