Zprávy památkové péče 2016, 76(6):610-616

Sugar factories in South Moravia in terms of heritage preservation

Karel Sklenář

The article aims to analyze the architectural heritage of the sugar industry from the perspective of contemporary heritage conservation. This is not only about evaluating the building fund or documenting disappearing structures, but also about identifying the original technical facilities, its relation to the entire production process, an urban evaluation of the effects of sugar factories on the surrounding area, and highlighting the exclusivity of the buildings related to this thriving industry.
South Moravia was one of the historic centers of the sugar industry in the Czech lands. In addition to its suitable climatic conditions and high-quality transportation networks, the close proximity of Brno was also a contribution as one of the centers of industrialization in Central Europe. The first sugar mills were established in the 1830's. The most important of these was established by Florentin Robert in 1838 in Židlochovice near Brno. The Robert family is associated with a number of technological innovations, especially the "Robert diffusion" which greatly simplify the extraction of juice from sugar beets. The sugar mill ceased operation in 1990. The later fate of the refinery did not go very well in terms of heritage conservation. The complex was demolished, and now all that stands is the remnant of the filter tower and the chimney.
The residences of the owners or managers of the sugar factories are often the only protected buildings. The exclusivity of such architecture highlights the wealth of the tycoons doing business in this field. One of the most famous sugar villas would be the work of Adolf Loos in Hrušovany near Brno.
The most intense demise of the sugar factories began in the 1990's. First, the operation was terminated, followed by the physical demise of the complexes. Their detailed documentation thus seems to be the only chance to preserve their memory within the landscape, indeed even from the general awareness of the disappearing phenomenon of sugar mills.

Keywords: sugar; industrial heritage; heritage conservation; South Moravia

Published: December 1, 2016  Show citation