Zprávy památkové péče 2016, 76(Příloha):113-121

Karel Láník (1886-1956), forgotten Brno architect

Pavla Cenková

Brno architect Karel Láník (1886-1956) is undoubtedly a forgotten figure whom professional research has completely neglected. This is somewhat surprising, since for all his life he worked at the Brno municipal building office alongside the most famous architects of that time. For many years he was actively involved in the dynamic construction operations of interwar Brno as an architect, designer and builder. He never, however, had a private architectural office, which is also probably why until now he has been completely outside the interest of the professional community. The submitted article, whose material is based on a study on the estate and on an archival survey, summarizes the results of primary biographical research on the life and work of Karel Láník. It may thus be seen as a first step in sketching the basic outline of resolving the issue and challenge for further professional interest. Not only does the resulting text clarify the specific circumstances determining Láník's career, but it also highlights the previously unknown issue of "unofficially" active architects and builders and thus contributes to a more differential image of period building culture.
Karel Láník was born on 12 August 1886 in Kunštát, Moravia, then in 1906 and 1907 to 1910 and 1911 he studied civil engineering at the Czech Technical University in Brno under Professor Karel Hugo Kepka (1869-1924). Later from 1920 to 1949 he worked as a technical officer in the architectural department of the Building office in Brno (in the 1930's known as the "Municipal construction bureau").
The focus of Karel Laník's independent work are his Brno realizations of the 1920's. At this time, Karel Láník was primarily cooperating with the "publicly beneficial construction and housing association for Královo Pole and surroundings", for which he designed rental and family homes that became part of the interwar high-quality structures of this part of the city. In addition to designing residential buildings, Láník also focused on designing interiors and furniture. Láník's designing activities for the Hollan-Kučera company from Hodonín was quite extensive, although closer details regarding this cooperation still remain obscure.
Karel Láník's architectural creation can be considered an example of conservative interwar architecture that formed certain opposition opinions of the functionalist avant-garde. His work is ranked among the wide stream of contemporary architecture which, in a harmonious symbiosis, combines modern forms and new technologies with elements of "classic" historical architectural tradition, for which its aesthetic quality and general comprehensibility is especially appreciated. Láník's structures, high in artistic quality, are appealing for their feeling for harmony, balance, and moderation which we can still admire today. The structures also contribute to the knowledge of the little-known "everydayness" of conventional construction in interwar Brno.

Keywords: Karel Láník; architect; Brno; 1920-30's; interwar architecture

Published: December 1, 2016  Show citation