Births on April 9

Jan Letzel, Czech architect (d. 1925)

Jan Letzel, born on April 9, 1880, and passing away on December 26, 1925, was a distinguished Czech architect whose impactful career spanned across Europe and Asia. He is perhaps most profoundly remembered for his significant contribution to the urban landscape of Hiroshima, Japan, a building that, against all odds, became an enduring symbol of peace and a stark reminder of humanity's destructive capabilities: the A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

A graduate of the Prague Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design, where he studied under the renowned architect Jan Kotěra, Letzel quickly established himself as a talented professional. His early work in his native Bohemia showcased his aptitude for modern architectural trends, influenced by Art Nouveau and early modernism. However, it was his adventurous spirit that led him eastward, to a rapidly modernizing Japan, where he sought new opportunities and left an indelible mark.

Architectural Legacy in Japan

Letzel arrived in Japan in 1907, during a period of significant cultural and industrial transformation. Many Japanese cities were embracing Western architectural styles and expertise to symbolize their progress and modernity. Together with his colleague Karel Horu, Letzel founded an architectural office in Tokyo. Over the next decade, his firm was responsible for designing numerous notable structures across Japan, including the Matsudaya department store, the Sacred Heart Academy, and the Yokohama Specie Bank. His designs often blended functional European aesthetics with the local context, creating elegant and innovative buildings that stood out in the burgeoning urban centers.

The Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall

Among his most iconic designs was the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, completed in April 1915. Located prominently near the Aioi Bridge, a distinctive T-shaped bridge that served as the aiming point for the atomic bomb, the hall was an impressive example of European-inspired architecture in Japan. Its most striking feature was the unique elliptical dome that crowned the central section of the building, a bold design choice that captured the attention of locals and visitors alike. The hall served as a venue for promoting Hiroshima's industries, showcasing local products, and hosting exhibitions, truly embodying the city's commercial ambition and modern outlook.

From Landmark to A-Bomb Dome

Tragically, on August 6, 1945, at 8:15 AM, the world's first atomic bomb, "Little Boy," detonated approximately 160 meters southeast of the building, almost directly above it at an altitude of 600 meters. While the concussive blast and intense heat vaporized most structures within a wide radius, the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, due to the direct downward force of the explosion and the robust brick and steel construction designed by Letzel, remarkably remained partially standing. Its skeletal dome and walls, though severely damaged, presented an eerie, silent testament to the devastation. It became known as the "Genbaku Dome" (A-Bomb Dome) and stood as a stark symbol of the war's horrors.

Following the war, there was considerable debate about whether to demolish the ruins, which many considered too painful a reminder, or to preserve them. Ultimately, the decision was made to preserve the structure as a permanent memorial, a powerful symbol of peace and a call for nuclear disarmament. In 1996, the A-Bomb Dome was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized globally as a symbol of the destructive power of nuclear weapons and humanity's hope for lasting peace. Jan Letzel, the visionary architect, unknowingly designed a building that would transcend its original purpose to become one of the most poignant memorials in modern history.

Later Life and Enduring Legacy

Jan Letzel returned to his newly formed homeland of Czechoslovakia in 1922, reportedly disheartened by the great Kanto earthquake of 1923, which devastated many of the buildings he had designed in Tokyo and the surrounding areas. He passed away in Prague in 1925 at the age of 45. Though his life was cut short, his architectural legacy, particularly through the A-Bomb Dome, continues to resonate globally, connecting the Czech Republic with Japan through a powerful narrative of human resilience and the enduring quest for peace.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jan Letzel and the A-Bomb Dome

Who was Jan Letzel?

Jan Letzel (1880–1925) was a prominent Czech architect, best known for designing the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, which later became the iconic A-Bomb Dome or Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

What was the original purpose of the A-Bomb Dome building?

Originally, the building was the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, completed in 1915. It served as a center for promoting Hiroshima's industries and products, hosting various exhibitions, and showcasing local advancements.

Why was the building designed by Jan Letzel chosen as the A-Bomb Dome?

The building was located very close to the hypocenter of the atomic bomb blast. Its sturdy brick and steel construction, combined with the direct downward force of the explosion, allowed parts of its structure, including the distinctive dome, to remain standing, unlike most other buildings in the immediate vicinity which were completely flattened. This made it a unique and powerful visual reminder of the destruction.

When did the A-Bomb Dome become a UNESCO World Heritage site?

The A-Bomb Dome was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1996. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of nuclear warfare and a symbol of humanity's longing for peace.

Did Jan Letzel know his building would become a peace memorial?

No, Jan Letzel died in 1925, twenty years before the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He could not have foreseen the building's tragic transformation into a peace memorial. His original intent was to design a modern and functional exhibition hall.

What other notable works did Jan Letzel design?

Beyond the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall, Letzel designed several other structures in Japan, including the Matsudaya department store, the Sacred Heart Academy, and the Yokohama Specie Bank, showcasing his European-influenced modern architectural style.