Construction of Military Bases: Integrating Architectural Principles into the Military Environment
Abstract: The paper focuses on the analysis of key principles and challenges related to the design and placement of military bases from the perspective of architectural and urban planning principles, and seeks similarities in architectural and urban practices. Currently, the construction of military bases is exclusively the task of the engineering corps and has so far been completely overlooked by the architectural profession. A foreign military base is a comprehensive set of buildings, and although it is a highly functional and utilitarian complex with numerous specific security requirements and limitations, its proper design also requires consideration of ergonomics, aesthetics, creative innovation, and sustainable development. These tools are integral to architectural practice, and the newly established interdisciplinary collaboration could contribute to further development in the area of modular constructions used for base building, creating an environment that is supportive for deployed units in foreign missions. The article analyzes various scales of design, from the relationship to the landscape, through the spatial structure of the complex, to the modular constructions that form the core of these facilities. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration between architects and engineers is a key factor in improving military base design. Architects can bring valuable perspectives in areas such as spatial organization, humanization of the environment, and aesthetic qualities. While engineers focus on technical and logistical aspects, architects can incorporate principles of scale, proportions, and spatial arrangement. In improving military base design, future collaboration could also include the involvement of architects in the development of methodologies created at the University of Defence in Brno. These methodologies could reflect technical requirements while integrating humanistic approaches, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the quality and long-term sustainability of designs. This article provides a theoretical framework for the further development of interdisciplinary collaboration and the improvement of military base design, which could serve as inspiration for practical applications in this field.
