The location of the House of Culture in Topoľčany was based on the zoning plan from 1976. According to this plan, especially the tangent of the core of the central city zone - i.e. the street of the Czechoslovak Army, which was to take over the function of the main city street, was to be significantly completed. The demolition of the original buildings freed up an area of 2.75 hectares in the core area of the town, which was to be used for the construction of higher civic amenities. In the end, only the bachelors' house and the house of culture were realised from the development study, following on the adjacent mass of the already existing Social House.
The external composition of the building clearly reflects its internal layout. The operation of the House of Culture is divided into four units: a multi-purpose hall with a variable stage, stage facilities, a meeting area, and a technical part. The central space of the hall (42 X 24 m) was designed for a capacity of 750 seats behind tables or 1300 seats in rows, and is expressed in the exterior by a rather massive and static-looking roofing cube. The mass of the multi-purpose hall is cantilevered around the entire perimeter, which functionally provides for the movement of staff throughout the ceiling space containing stage and lighting equipment.
In the lower part of the building, the architect tried to complete the architectural expression by plan division and by logical alternation of solid and glass surfaces. Although the design dealt with the solution of all the facades of the building, their appearance was compromised in the execution by the use of more affordable materials. The rigour of the building's rectangular system is softened by the design of the side cooling tower with its circular base. The House of Culture also featured a paved forecourt with a circular fountain, which was removed during the revitalisation of the public space in 2023.
author of the description: Monika Bočková
Bibliography:
HUSÁR, Rudolf: Dom kultúry v Topoľčanoch. Realizácie. Projekt 29, 1987, 1, s.12 — 14.
CIFRA, Martin: Dom kultúry v Topoľčanoch. Slovo autora. Projekt 29, 1987, 1, s.14 — 15.
